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Commitment in Polyamorous Relationships

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION About Polyamory Definition
Lack of Research on Polyamory
Questioning Monogamy About This Study Study of Successful Relationships
Intended Value Membership in the Poly Community Appropriateness of Opportunistic Studies Ethical Considerations
Hypotheses
Chapter Summary

Chapter 2. LITERATURE REVIEW

Monogamy and Commitment Healing in Monogamy
Spiritual Aspects of Monogamy Older Studies of Nonmonogamy Searching for Psychological Differences
Intimate Friendships and Sexually Open Marriages
Loevinger's Theory of Ego Development
Counseling Implications of Nonmonogamy
Types of Nonmonogamy
Criticism of the Research Books on Sexually Open Relationships Nonfiction/Serious Older Books
More Recent Books Recent Articles Bisexual, Lesbian, Gay Issues
Therapy
Feminism
Legal Articles
Studies of Polyamory Conclusion

Chapter 3. METHOD

Participants Responses to Solicitation
Personal Acquaintances Demographics
Interviewing Procedure
The Questions Demographics
Nature of the Relationships
Ground Rules
Children
Effect on Their Lives
Jealousy
Maintaining the Primary Bond
Perceived Benefits and Challenges Analysis
Chapter Summary

Chapter 4. RESULTS

Types of Relationships The Primary Relationships
Style of Relating to Others
Length of Secondary Relationships
Sex and Play Parties
Ambiguity of Relationships
Couples or More The Nature of Commitment Lizful and Paul
Jerry and Annie
Fred and Mary
Evelyn and Scott
John Bender and Jackie Greene
Carol and Pseud
Rogelio and Shakti
Common Elements Maintaining the Primary Bond Safer Sex Agreements
Veto Power
Honesty and Communication
Other Agreements
Actions Taken to Keep the Relationship Alive
Dealing with Jealousy Perceived Benefits of Polyamory Growth
Truth and Honesty
Love, Connection and Community
Fun, Sensuality and Sexuality
Improving the Primary Relationship
Kids
Choice
Nonconformity Chapter Summary

Chapter 5. DISCUSSION

Comments on the Sample Parents
Age
Polyfidelity vs. Polyamory
Sociological Factors Success Factors in These Relationships Appreciation
Closeness
Communication
Willingness to Change
Willingness to Deal with Jealousy
Flexibility and the Relative Importance Of Desires Limitation of Agreements Heartshare Other Observations Unmet Needs
The Meaning of Sex and Intimacy
A Crucible for Growth
On Being a Couple Comparison with Reasons for Monogamy Commitment
Healing
Spirituality Conclusion
Possible Future Research Commitment in Poly Relationships
Children
Varieties of Poly Relationships
Clandestine Relationships
Mono/Poly Relationships
Attitudes Towards Marriage
Psychological and Sociological Profiles Chapter Summary

References

Appendix A. Questions for Thesis Study

Appendix B. Glossary

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