Abstracts

Innovations in Clinical Sexology

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Abstract
Experiences of New Relationship Energy in Consensually Nonmonogamous Relationships

This constructivist grounded theory study explores how participants in consensually nonmonogamous relationships (CNM) navigated challenges associated with the new relationship energy (NRE) period of a relationship, either as the established partner (EP) of someone experiencing NRE, or as the new relationship energy partner (NREP). Through qualitative interviews with eleven participants, the researcher was able to find common themes in narratives shared by the participants. The findings reveal that there are many biopsychosocial factors, especially around attachment and identity, that influence how the participants interacted with their NRE or their NREP during this time. The findings also supported the idea that NRE is another word for limerence, and that NREPs’ experiences were similar to that of people who describe limerent experiences, explaining the volatility of this phase of a relationship. The research also suggests several strategies participants commonly used to learn to successfully navigate the NRE period. This study contributes to existing research on attachment and needs fulfillment, which has mostly been done in the context of monogamous relationships.

Keywords: Nonmonogamy, attachment, needs, coping mechanisms, relationships.

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