Consensual nonmonogamy in pregnancy and parenthood: experiences of bisexual and plurisexual women with different-gender partners

Authors

Melissa H. Manley, Clark University
Melissa M. Legge, McMaster University
Corey E. Flanders, Mount Holyoke College
Abbie E. Goldberg, Clark UniversityFollow
Lori E. Ross, University of Toronto

Document Type

Article

Abstract

The current study constitutes a qualitative investigation of experiences with and perceptions of consensual nonmonogamy (CNM) among a sample of 21 bisexual and plurisexual women with different-gender partners. Participants from Massachusetts, USA, and Toronto, Canada, were interviewed four times during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Using an inductive qualitative approach, we found participants were selective about CNM disclosure, and generally apprehensive about stigma surrounding CNM involvement. Additionally, results emphasize the importance of communication and highlight the range of barriers to and benefits of CNM endorsed by these parents. Directions for future research and implications for practitioners are discussed.

Publication Title

Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy

Publication Date

2018

Volume

44

Issue

8

First Page

721

Last Page

736

ISSN

0092-623X

DOI

10.1080/0092623X.2018.1462277

Keywords

nonmonogamy, pregnancy, parenthood

Repository Citation

Manley, Melissa H.; Legge, Melissa M.; Flanders, Corey E.; Goldberg, Abbie E.; and Ross, Lori E., "Consensual nonmonogamy in pregnancy and parenthood: experiences of bisexual and plurisexual women with different-gender partners" (2018). Psychology. 337.
https://commons.clarku.edu/faculty_psychology/337