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By Maria Morava
Relationships Reporter
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Non-monogamy has long been viewed as a relationship structure that affords less satisfaction than traditional coupledom—but new research sheds light to the contrary.
A study published in The Journal of Sex Research revealed that monogamous and non-monogamous individuals actually experience similar levels of satisfaction in their relationships and sex lives.
The finding challenges the common assumption that monogamous relationships—that is, relationships involving a romantic and sexual commitment to a single partner—naturally lead to more fulfilling relationships compared to alternative structures.
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Non-monogamy includes consensual arrangements like open relationships, where couples have romantic but not sexual exclusivity; and polyamory, where individuals have multiple romantic relationships at the same time.
Researchers analyzed data from 35 studies involving 24,489 people across the United States, Australia, Canada, Italy, Portugal and other countries.
The findings revealed no significant differences in relationship or sexual satisfaction between those in monogamous and consensually non-monogamous (CNM) relationships.
Debunking the 'monogamy-superiority myth'
"Monogamous relationships are often assumed to offer greater satisfaction, intimacy, commitment, passion and trust than non-monogamous ones," paper author and social psychologist professor Joel Anderson of La Trobe University said in a statement.
"This widespread belief—what we term as the 'monogamy-superiority myth'—is often reinforced by stereotypes and media narratives," he added. "Our findings challenge this long-standing assumption outside of academia, providing further evidence that people in consensually non-monogamous relationships experience similar levels of satisfaction in their relationships and sex lives as those in monogamous ones."
But why, exactly, are satisfaction levels similar between these two relationship models? The research points to a common issue in monogamous couples: infidelity.
In non-monogamous relationships, Anderson said, clear agreements between partners about how to relate to others often eliminate the possibility of infidelity, while for monogamous couples, cheating can be a common and painful cause of relationship breakdown.
The findings apply across the board
The study's results weren't just relevant to a particular group of people. They were consistent across different demographics, including LGBTQ+ and heterosexual participants, and across different non-monogamous structures.
The satisfaction levels were also stable across different relationship dimensions, including trust, commitment and intimacy.
"Romantic and sexual satisfaction significantly contribute to our overall well-being," Anderson said.
"Despite our findings demonstrating comparable satisfaction levels, people in non-monogamous relationships often face stigma, discrimination and barriers to accessing supportive healthcare and legal recognition."
The results of the study, he added, point to the need for more "inclusive" perspectives on different relationships.
"What we see is that those non-monogamous relationships have great relationships and great sex, in spite of the fact that their relationships come under scrutiny in most societies," Anderson said. "And in spite of the fact that they experience differential or even prejudiced treatment because of their relationship structures, which are viewed as out of the norm.
"Healthcare professionals, therapists and policymakers must recognize and support diverse relationship structures rather than assuming monogamy as the default or ideal."
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Reference
Anderson, J. R., Hinton, J. D. X., Bondarchuk-McLaughlin, A., Rosa, S., Tan, K. J., & Moor, L. (2025). Countering the monogamy-superiority myth: A meta-analysis of the differences in relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction as a function of relationship orientation. The Journal of Sex Research. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2025.2462988
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