Extradyadic sex and gay male couples: Comparing monogamous and nonmonogamous relationships

Michael C. LaSala

doi:https://doi.org/10.1606/1044-3894.1502

Extradyadic sex and gay male couples: Comparing monogamous and nonmonogamous relationships

Michael C. LaSala

School of Social Work

Rutgers, The State University

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

102 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this study, the author compared the relationship quality of sexually monogamous and nonmonogamous gay male couples. Among a nationwide surveyed sample of 121 gay male couples, no differences were found between strictly monogamous and openly nonmonogamous couples on scores of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS). In addition, mean DAS scores for both groups were within functional ranges. However, self-reported monogamous couples in which 1 or both members engaged in extrarelational sex were less adjusted and satisfied than their nonmonogamous and strictly monogamous counterparts. The findings suggest that for some gay men, sexual monogamy may not be a necessary component of a satisfactory, committed relationship, and social workers assisting gay male couples might need to reconsider traditional ideas about sex, intimacy, and commitment.

Original language	American English
Pages (from-to)	405-412
Number of pages	8
Journal	Families in Society
Volume	85
Issue number	3
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1606/1044-3894.1502
State	Published - 2004

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Social Sciences (miscellaneous)

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Extradyadic sex and gay male couples: Comparing monogamous and nonmonogamous relationships

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