Psychology
Consensually nonmonogamous parent relationships during COVID-19
Document Type
Article
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, parents in consensually nonmonogamous (CNM) relationships navigated public health directives to social distance and avoid contact between households. Many parents practicing CNM share romantic, sexual, and coparenting relationships across households, and the pandemic introduced challenges and opportunities for innovation in maintaining connection. This qualitative study sought to explore the experiences, challenges, and adaptations of CNM parents, using survey and interview data from 70 US parents collected between May and December 2020. Thematic analysis highlighted that many parents spent less time with non-cohabiting partners and more time with cohabiting partners and children, but also adapted via creative strategies such as incorporating partners into a quarantine pod, inviting partners to move in, or connecting over technology. These data illuminate the diverse ways that CNM parents engaged in and “queered” family and partner relationships during the pandemic.
Publication Title
Sexualities
Publication Date
2021
ISSN
1363-4607
DOI
10.1177/13634607211019356
Keywords
consensual nonmonogamy, COVID-19, family relationships, parenthood, polyamory
Repository Citation
Manley, Melissa H. and Goldberg, Abbie E., "Consensually nonmonogamous parent relationships during COVID-19" (2021). Psychology. 301.
https://commons.clarku.edu/faculty_psychology/301
