Consensual Non-Monogamy: Experiences and Insights from Turkiye

Abstract

Consensual non-monogamous relationships (CNM) are an umbrella term that describes relationships in which partners, usually in a primary relationship, give each other consent to be sexually and/or romantically involved with other partners. Examples include open relationships, polyamory, and swinging. This study has brought this subject into focus for the first time in T & uuml;rkiye. It aims to make sense of the individual, relational, and social experiences of people who have CNM relationship experience in T & uuml;rkiye. Semi-structured interviews with six people were conducted. Four main themes emerged from the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis: A Journey Towards Non-monogamy: Motivations for Engaging in CNM Relationships, The Individual and Relational Aspects of CNM Relationship Experience, Being in a CNM Relationship in T & uuml;rkiye, and Maintaining Healthy CNM Relationships. The results are discussed considering the existing literature and how they can be used in clinical practice. Limitations of the current study and recommendations for the future are mentioned.