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Polyamori: en utmanande kärlekshistoria

Author

  • Louise Egelstig
  • Daniel Gustafsson

Summary, in English

This qualitative study aims to achieve a deeper psychological understanding of polyamory, which means the practice of several parallel and equal romantic relationships. Based on an exploratory approach, 22 semi-structured interviews with polyamorous people were conducted. The interview material was processed by thematic analysis. The study investigated why people live polyamorously, the emotional challenges polyamorous people face and if characterizing psychological patterns exist within the group. The results indicated that polyamory is seen as both an orientation and a conscious choice. The polyamorous way of life is described as enriching but challenging, illustrated by experiences of jealousy, complexity, time constrains and non-acceptance from the society. Heterogeneity characterizes the group regarding openness about the polyamorous way of life, experience of compersion and needs to define the relationships. Homogeneity exists regarding the idea of love as an unlimited resource, the perception of the freedom that this kind of relationship allows, logical reasoning and the problem-oriented approach. As a way of illustrating the creation of relationships, the authors have created The Polymonomodel, which can be used in therapy with both polyamorous and monogamous people. Finally, the study's implications are discussed and suggestions are given for future research.

Publishing year

2012

Language

Swedish

Document type

Student publication for professional degree (Master's level)

Topic

  • Social Sciences

Keywords

  • polyamory
  • poly
  • non-monogamy
  • emotional challenges
  • jealousy
  • compersion
  • The Polymonomodel polyamori
  • icke-monogami
  • känslomässiga utmaningar
  • svartsjuka
  • medglädje
  • Polymonomodellen

Supervisor

  • Gunnel Ingesson (PhD)