Marriage and Family Therapists' Attitudes and Perceptions of Polyamorous Relationships

Stephanie M Sullivan, Purdue University

Abstract

There is currently very little research on polyamorous relationships and polyamorous individuals, and even less research on how therapists work with polyamorous clients. The present study aimed to examine the impact of therapists’ familiarity, knowledge, comfort, religiosity, and political orientation on their attitudes toward polyamory and their perceptions of polyamory. Then, the therapists’ behaviors toward polyamorous clients were examined in order to determine whether therapist’s views impact the quality of care they give to polyamorous clients. Currently practicing marriage and family therapists were recruited via AAMFT and NCFR listservs, as well as through MFT-specific Facebook groups, to participate in this survey. A therapist’s knowledge of polyamory and comfort with polyamory was positively associated with attitudes toward and perceptions of polyamory. A therapist’s religiosity and political conservatism was found to have a negative association with attitudes toward and perceptions of polyamory. The results of this research contributes to the literature on how therapists view polyamory and shows that it is important for therapists to be knowledgeable about polyamory and comfortable with polyamorous clients to best serve this community.

Degree

M.S.

Advisors

Nalbone, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Sexuality|Social psychology|Behavioral Sciences

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