For many years, society has promoted the idea that monogamy is the key to a happy and fulfilling relationship. Despite this widespread belief, there is a lack of concrete evidence to support such a claim, which has been perpetuated through cultural narratives, religious teachings, and healthcare recommendations. 

Recent research conducted by Joel R. Anderson at La Trobe University suggests that there is little distinction in terms of happiness and sexual satisfaction between monogamous relationships and consensually polygamous ones.

Findings of the study:

The study published in The Journal of Sex Research, directly challenges this notion that relationships are happy and healthy only when monogamy is practiced. The study was conducted by collecting data from nearly 25,000 individuals. The study is a first-of-its-kind to understand satisfaction levels across different structures of relationships.

Monogamy is a moral choice:

For many generations, monogamy has been embraced by various cultures and nations, becoming so ingrained in societal norms that individuals who choose polygamy often face judgment and discrimination. The research indicates that monogamy has been accepted as the standard due to longstanding cultural and religious narratives that portray it as the ethical option. It has been suggested that monogamy leads to improved health outcomes, enhanced stability, and deeper intimacy. Nevertheless, this study directly contests these assertions.

The researchers examined studies carried out from 2007 to 2024, primarily in Western nations such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. The data encompassed individuals from various sexual identities and relationship configurations, although the majority of participants were white.

The findings indicated that individuals engaged in monogamous, polygamous, open, swinging, or monogamish relationships experienced similar levels of happiness and sexual satisfaction. The authors of the study noted that while consensual monogamous relationships are beneficial, consensual polygamous relationships may foster the development of skills like communication, openness, and understanding.

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