Major review challenges the “monogamy-superiority myth”

A new meta-analysis published in The Journal of Sex Research challenges the pervasive belief that monogamous relationships are inherently more satisfying than non-exclusive ones. By aggregating data from nearly 25,000 participants across dozens of studies, the research indicates that individuals in consensually non-monogamous relationships report levels of relationship and sexual satisfaction that are statistically indistinguishable from those in monogamous unions.

Western culture has historically established monogamy as the default and ideal standard for romantic relationships. This social norm is often accompanied by the assumption that exclusive partnerships provide superior psychological well-being, stability, and emotional security compared to other configurations.

Scholars refer to this prevailing cultural sentiment as the “monogamy-superiority myth.” It implies that any deviation from strict exclusivity is likely to result in jealousy, instability, or lower relationship quality.

Despite these social expectations, a significant number of people engage in consensual non-monogamy. This term serves as an umbrella for various relationship styles where partners agree to have multiple romantic or sexual connections simultaneously.

Common forms include polyamory, which focuses on maintaining multiple loving relationships, and open relationships, which often permit sexual contact outside the primary partnership. Estimates suggest that a notable minority of adults in Western nations have engaged in such relationships at some point in their lives.

“This study was motivated by a persistent cultural assumption that monogamous relationships are inherently more satisfying, healthier, or morally superior than consensually non-monogamous ones – an assumption that doesn’t reflect the lived realities of people in these relationships,” said study author Joel R. Anderson, an associate professor and principal research fellow at the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society at La Trobe University, where he convenes the LGBTIQA+ Research Theme.

“While individual studies had produced mixed findings, these beliefs continue to shape public attitudes, clinical practice, and policy in ways that stigmatize people in non-monogamous relationships. We wanted to systematically examine the full body of available evidence to see whether or not the data support the idea that monogamy is superior when it comes to relationship and sexual satisfaction.”

The researchers conducted a meta-analytic review. This statistical method allows researchers to combine the results of many independent studies to identify robust patterns that might be missed in smaller, isolated projects. The team performed a comprehensive search of six major academic databases to locate relevant research published up to 2024. They also reached out to experts in the field to request unpublished data to ensure a complete dataset.

The researchers established strict criteria for inclusion in the analysis. Studies had to provide quantitative measures of relationship satisfaction or sexual satisfaction. They also needed to explicitly categorize participants as either monogamous or consensually non-monogamous.

Ultimately, the team identified 35 suitable studies comprising a total of 24,489 participants. The majority of these studies were conducted in the United States, Canada, and Australia.

The primary analysis focused on comparing general relationship satisfaction between the two groups. The results showed no significant difference. The calculated effect size was negligible, meaning that the average level of happiness reported by monogamous individuals was essentially the same as that reported by non-monogamous individuals. This finding held true regardless of the specific scales used to measure satisfaction in the original studies.

The researchers also examined sexual satisfaction and found similar results. There was no statistical evidence to support the idea that monogamy leads to a better sexual life. Both groups reported comparable levels of fulfillment regarding their sexual experiences. This challenges the stereotype that non-monogamy is driven by sexual dissatisfaction within a primary partnership.

“The key takeaway is that there is no evidence that monogamous relationships are more satisfying or sexually fulfilling than consensually non-monogamous ones,” Anderson told PsyPost. “People can build happy, healthy, and satisfying relationships in different ways, and relationship quality appears to depend far more on factors like communication, consent, and compatibility than on the structure of the relationship itself.”

“Across more than 35 studies and nearly 25,000 participants, the overall differences were essentially zero. From a practical standpoint, this means that claims of monogamy’s inherent superiority are not just exaggerated – they’re unsupported by the evidence. At a population level, these findings matter because they challenge stereotypes that continue to justify stigma and unequal treatment.”

To provide a more nuanced understanding, the researchers investigated whether these results varied based on specific demographic factors. They separated the data to compare heterosexual samples with LGBTQ+ samples. The analysis revealed that sexual orientation did not influence the outcomes. In both straight and queer populations, the lack of difference in satisfaction between monogamous and non-monogamous individuals remained consistent.

The researchers also attempted to break down the non-monogamous category into specific relationship types where data permitted. These specific configurations included polyamory, swinging, open relationships, and “monogamish” arrangements.

While the overall trend showed no differences, some minor variations emerged in these subgroups. Participants in relationships described as “monogamish” reported slightly higher relationship satisfaction than strictly monogamous participants.

Regarding sexual satisfaction, specific subgroups also showed slight deviations. Individuals who identified as polyamorous or swingers reported marginally higher levels of sexual satisfaction compared to monogamous individuals. The researchers suggest this could be due to the emphasis on sexual exploration and communication inherent in swinging communities or the diverse needs met through multiple partners in polyamory. But these effects were small.

The research team also conducted tests to ensure the validity of their findings. They utilized statistical methods to check for publication bias, which occurs when studies with “exciting” or significant results are published more often than those with null results. Their assessment found no evidence of such bias. This consistency suggests that the finding of “no difference” is a genuine reflection of reality rather than an artifact of selective publishing.

“What stood out was how consistent the findings were across different populations, including heterosexual and LGBTQ+ samples, across different countries, and across different types of consensual non-monogamy,” Anderson said. “Despite very different social contexts and relationship agreements, satisfaction levels were remarkably similar.”

But as with all research, there are some caveats. A significant portion of the data relied on convenience sampling rather than random selection from the general population. This means the participants were often people who volunteered to talk about their relationships. It is possible that individuals who are unhappy in their non-monogamous relationships would be less likely to volunteer for such studies.

The geographic focus of the data also limits generalizability. Most of the participants were from Western, educated,, industrialized, rich, and democratic societies. The cultural context of these nations heavily influences how relationships are structured and perceived. Consequently, the findings may not apply to non-monogamous practices in non-Western cultures where social norms around marriage and dating differ.

Despite these limitations, the study provides evidence countering the idea that monogamy is biologically or psychologically superior. The researchers argue that these findings should prompt a shift in how society and healthcare providers view alternative relationship structures. Mental health professionals are encouraged to recognize that non-monogamy can be a healthy and satisfying lifestyle choice rather than a symptom of dysfunction.

“A common misreading is that the findings suggest non-monogamy is ‘better’ than monogamy,” Anderson explained. “That’s not what we found. The point is not to rank relationship types, but to show that monogamy does not have a built-in advantage. People should be supported to pursue the relationship structures that work best for them, without moral judgment.”

Future research could explore how these relationship dynamics evolve over time. Most existing studies capture a single snapshot of a relationship. The researchers also call for more inclusive research that better differentiates between the vast array of non-monogamous configurations.

“Going forward, we’re interested in how stigma, disclosure, and institutional assumptions about relationships affect wellbeing, particularly in healthcare and therapeutic settings,” Anderson said. “Challenging the monogamy-superiority myth is one step toward more inclusive, evidence-based approaches to relationships and mental health.”

The study, “Countering the Monogamy-Superiority Myth: A Meta-Analysis of the Differences in Relationship Satisfaction and Sexual Satisfaction as a Function of Relationship Orientation,” was authored by Joel R. Anderson, Jordan D. X. Hinton, Alena Bondarchuk-McLaughlin, Scarlet Rosa, Kian Jin Tan, and Lily Moor.