Consensual Non-Monogamy Among Kink-Identified Adults: Characteristics, Relationship Experiences, and Unique Motivations for Polyamory and Open Relationships

People who engage in both kink and consensual non-monogamy (CNM) have received little attention in research. The present article reports on the characteristics, relationship experiences, and unique motivations for engaging in CNM of kinky and consensually non-monogamous individuals using data from two U.S. samples-one large, national (N = 690) quantitative survey, and one qualitative study (N = 70) of adults in Northern California. The results describe the prevalence of universal (e.g., jealousy, sexual desire discrepancy) and population-specific relationship experiences (e.g., kink interest discrepancy, coming out about relationship structure). Findings indicate that discrepancies in desire for kink are a common relationship experience for kink-CNM individuals and that managing kink interests is an important motivation for CNM in this particular population. Implications for future research and clinical practice with kinky and consensually non-monogamous individuals are discussed.

Automated summary

This research focuses on individuals who engage in both kink and consensual non-monogamy, examining their characteristics, relationship experiences, and motivations. The study found that differences in desire for kink are common among these individuals, and managing kink interests is a significant motivation for their involvement in CNM.