ABSTRACT [masters thesis]
There is currently a lack of research on “alternative
lifestyles” involving multiple sexual partners; also, there
is some academic bias towards monogamy and the nuclear family as
the norm, as well as elevated risks of bias for mental-health practitioners
serving clients with multiple sexual relationships. Therefore, mental-health
practitioners would benefit from further research in this area.
This qualitative study investigated “polyamory”—an
emerging lifestyle typically involving multiple sexual partners—through
the eyes of 10 participants in the area of Salt Lake City, Utah.
Participants were recruited with a research announcement distributed
directly to polyamorous persons at a local community center, posted
on Internet discussion groups, and passed along from person to person.
Individual interviews were followed by focus-group interviews involving
all of the participants; then these interviews underwent phenomenological
analysis: the essential meanings of the phenomenon were extracted
and described through a process of transcription, horizontalization
of meanings, clustering of meanings, textural description, structural
description, essential description, and validation of the essential
description.
The results provided seven main themes with first-
and second-level subthemes. The main themes were monogamist prejudice,
mainstream culture, selective social circles, intimate relationships,
core relationships, self-identity, and learning and growing. The
theme of intimate relationships—including core relationships—most
closely related to the practice of polyamory. The themes of self-identity,
mainstream culture, and monogamist prejudice provided important
contextual information. Selective social circles and learning and
growing appeared adaptive given abundant stressors and the experiences
or expectations of prejudice. The following conclusions were drawn
for mental health practitioners: polyamorous clients are likely
at risk for monogamist prejudice; practitioners may need to confront
internalized prejudice; practitioners should educate themselves
regarding polyamory (and other alternative lifestyles) and become
aware of available resources; practitioners may wish to consider
clients’ levels of ego development and/or personal value stances
with regard to relationship complexities and conflicts with mainstream
values; polyamorous clients will likely benefit from exploring relationship
issues; polyamorous clients likely experience many stressors associated
with relationship issues and prejudice; and, therefore, these clients
may present needs for acceptance and normalization from practitioners
who are able to model unconditional positive regard.
