Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2026

Publication Title

Journal of Marital and Family Therapy

Keywords

consensual non-monogamy, mononormativity, polyamory, strengths

Abstract

Little empirical research has adopted a strength-based approach to examine strategies that help offset challenges (e.g., discrimination, internalized stigma) faced by people in polyamorous relationships. The current qualitative study assessed the self-perceived strengths of 63 US-based, adult participants who reported present or former engagement in at least one polyamorous relationship. Participants' responded to the open-ended question, “What particular characteristics do you have that help you navigate the challenges of polyamory?” A thematic analysis identified strengths across eight broad themes: personality traits, a willingness to challenge mononormative socialization, ability to manage difficult emotions, experiencing compersion and/or low levels of/well-managed jealousy, strong communication skills, lessons learned from prior relationships, seeking out self-help and professional resources, and financial privilege. Results provide a roadmap for self-help and therapeutic approaches to cultivate resilience in individuals who engage in a relationship style that remains heavily stigmatized and can present unique challenges.

Funding Source

This project was supported by Ball State University's College of Health. This article was published Open Access thanks to a transformative agreement between Milner Library and Wiley.

Comments

First published in Journal of Marital and Family Therapy (2026): https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.70119

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.1111/jmft.70119

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