A Critical Examination of Popular Assumptions About the Benefits and Outcomes of Monogamous Relationships

Terri D. Conley, Ali Ziegler, Amy C. Moors, Jes L. Matsick, Brandon Valentine

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

179 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this article, we critically examine the social institution of monogamy. First, we discuss the lack of an adequate and consistent definition of the construct of monogamy and consider how common monogamy is. Next, we address perceived benefits of monogamy and whether those ostensible benefits are supported by empirical evidence. We conclude that evidence for the benefits of monogamy relative to other relationship styles is currently lacking, suggesting that, for those who choose it, consensual non-monogamy may be a viable alternative to monogamy. Implications for theories of close relationships are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)124-141
Number of pages18
JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Review
Volume17
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2013

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Social Psychology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A Critical Examination of Popular Assumptions About the Benefits and Outcomes of Monogamous Relationships'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this