Minority stress in consensually non-monogamous individuals: mental health implications

Lay Summary Consensual non-monogamy (CNM) is a stigmatized practice in Western society. Because of this, it is possible that CNM individuals experience disproportionate psychological distress. Our sample of 91 CNM individuals reported significantly more psychological distress compared to non-CNM individuals. When demographic factors were held-constant, CNM individuals reported significantly more depression compared to those who were married and dating. Consensual non-monogamy (CNM) is an area of increasing empirical and clinical interest. Few studies have explored the mental health of CNM individuals. Using the minority stress framework, we sought to address this gap. We analyzed a data set of college students gathered through the Healthy Minds Network. A sample of 91 participants with data fit for analyses were identified as CNM. Random samples of participants in other relationship structures were also selected yielding a total sample of n = 455. Results indicated CNM individuals are significantly more likely to identify as gender/sexual minorities, be significantly younger, and report significantly higher rates of emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual assault, and depression compared to non-CNM individuals. CNM individuals did not differ from non-CNM individuals in terms of sex assigned at birth, race, and financial stress. When controlling for demographics, CNM individuals reported significantly higher depressive symptoms compared to those who were dating and married. Multinomial regression analysis with all significant covariates entered suggested CNM individuals have significantly higher odds of probable depression and history of sexual assault compared to those who were dating and married. We discuss areas for continued research as well as implications for clinicians working with CNM clients.