Monogamy Agreements in Male Same-Sex Couples: Associations With Relationship Quality and Individual Well-Being

Abstract

In this study, the authors explored whether type of sexual agreement (for monogamy, unrestricted nonmonogamy, or restricted nonmonogamy) is associated with the relationship quality and psychological well-being of men in same-sex relationships. A geographically diverse sample of 219 U.S. men in cohabiting same-sex relationships reported on sexual agreement type, several relationship characteristics central to long-term couple health, and two indices of psychological well-being (depressive symptoms and internalized heterosexism). Results indicated no differences by sexual agreement type in the majority of indices of relationship health, including self-reported relationship satisfaction, hostile conflict, felt constraint, confidence in the relationship, and perceived instability. There were also no group differences in depressive symptoms or internalized heterosexism. However, men in relationships with nonmonogamous agreements reported higher perceived quality of alternatives to their relationship and lower dedication commitment than did those with monogamous agreements. These findings add to a growing literature suggesting that male same-sex relationships that adopt nonmonogamous agreements can be quite healthy and happy but raise the possibility that nonmonogamy may create some vulnerability to long-term couple stability by raising attractiveness of alternatives to the relationship and lowering commitment.

KEYWORDS:

• same-sex couples
• LGBT
• monogamy
• sexual agreements
• relationship quality
• internalized heterosexism