Diving into the stigma around consensual non-monogamies: Comparing psychopathology, well-being, attachment, and other psychological characteristics with monogamous counterparts

Objectives This study aims to empirically challenge pervasive stigma and stereotypes around Consensual Non-Monogamy (CNM) by comprehensively comparing the psychological profiles of CNM practitioners and monogamous individuals, examining both stigma-related factors and psychological resources, while exploring the intersectional role of LGBTQIA+ identity. Method Using a cross-sectional design, 815 Spanish adults (388 CNM, 427 monogamous) completed validated self-report measures for all target constructs, with group comparisons conducted via one-way ANCOVAs controlling for age and LGTBIQA+ status. Results Given the small effect sizes observed, interpretations are made with caution. Analyses revealed no robust overall differences in psychopathology or dark personality traits, directly refuting maladjustment stereotypes. CNM practitioners reported significantly higher scores in sexual sensation seeking, resilience, autonomy, and personal growth, alongside lower personal distress. Importantly, intersectional analyses indicated that LGTBIQA+ monogamous individuals exhibited the highest levels of anxious attachment and psychopathology, suggesting CNM may buffer these negative outcomes within the LGBTQIA+ community. Conclusions These findings challenge deficit-based narratives, indicating that CNM is not associated with elevated psychological risk but is linked to psychological strengths. This underscores the necessity for nuanced, evidence-based, and stigma-free frameworks in both research and clinical practice addressing diverse relational orientations. Keywords: non-monogamy; LGTBIAQ+, polyamory; psychopathology; adult attachment; well-being