۱- Introduction

۲- Review of literature

۳- Hypothesis

۴- Method

۵- Results

۶- Discussion and conclusion

References

Abstract

This study sought to examine the self-esteem of individuals involved in a consensually non-monogamous relationship, the swinging lifestyle. Utilizing the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the self-esteem of swingers was quantified and compared to a general sample. The results reveal that swingers have higher self-esteem. However, gender differences emerged in post hoc analyses whereby men who engage in swinging have higher self-esteem, but women who engage in swinging have self-esteem comparable to others. Results are discussed in terms of evolutionary and clinical importance. Limitations and future directions are also discussed.

Introduction

Frequently in our social world when people hear of individuals or couples who engage in consensual nonmonogamous relationships (CNM) they think these people to be “deviant,” or they think of such relationships as inherently flawed and less valuable than monogamous relationships (Barker & Langdridge, 2010; Conley, Moors, Matsick, & Ziegler, 2013; Jenks, 1998). However, empirical evidence rebuts these beliefs (Barker & Langdridge, 2010; Conley,Matsick,Moors, & Ziegler, 2017).CNMrelationships have characteristics that are typically considered healthy traits in monogamous relationships, such as individual selfconfidence, open communication, trust, and low jealousy (Kimberly & Hans, 2017; Wilt, Harrison, & Michael, 2018). Individuals who engage in CNM have similar qualities to monogamous individuals and view their relationships as normal loving relationships (Barker, 2005; Conley et al., 2017; Jenks, 1998, 2014). In fact, there is evidence to suggest that those in CNMs may have increased positive traits. Kimberly and Hans (2017) interviewed 16 married heterosexual couples who engaged in swinging. They found that one or both partners in most dyads reported that high self-esteem – in particular, confidence in one’s appearance – was a factor in the decision to swing. Bergstrand and Sinski (2010) documented that swingers believed engaging in swinging increased their partner’s and their own self-esteem. Swingers commented that people who have low selfesteem “do not make good swingers.” One 42-year-old female participant told the researchers, “You have to have high self-esteem to be involved in this or it will not work” (p. 59). With qualitative research evincing high self-esteem in swingers, in the present study we were interested in quantitatively measuring self-esteem in swingers.