While working on the proposal, I reviewed a ton of journal articles on the topic. I came across many studies that focused on the topic of consensual nonmonogamy (CNM) broadly, covering heterosexual population as well as non-heterosexual populations. I do not get to reference all the study results I read. Some of them confirmed other previous findings. Some uncovered surprising results. I hope my dissertation discussions will deliver both.

Prior experience helps. In various life situations, having some foundational knowledge or earlier data allow people to reduce discomfort, compare or contrast, and learn from, before they actually form opinions for themselves. In the context of consensual nonmonogamy, individuals who reported having prior experience with CNM demonstrated more positive implicit associations than did those without experience. The prior positive personal experience always helps people develop more perspective. Histories with CNM likely open people’s minds more and influence their own preferences, attitudes, and beliefs that increase their understanding and decrease judgment associated with a misalignment of actions and attitudes.

Given that I hope my dissertation project outcome will contribute to efforts that destigmatize CNM, the participants who have previous histories with it (and are currently in a long-term CNM relationship) would help strengthen the lesson-learn, meaning-making and story-telling. If you know someone who is a gay man and in his 40s or 50s, and has been in an open or CNM relationship for about a year or more, please consider sharing my website or dissertation study with him (or them). Thank you very much!