Time Management, Stigma, Jealousy, and More: A Content Analysis of the Challenges of Polyamory.

Despite growing public and scientific interest in consensually non-monogamous (CNM) relationships, clinical and empirical understandings of the challenges faced by people who engage in polyamory remain limited. To address this gap, we conducted a content analysis of 763 open-ended responses from 219 individuals currently in a polyamorous relationship who were asked to describe the challenges of their relationship structure. We identified 15 majors theme and several corresponding minor themes. The four most frequently reported challenges of polyamory included: (1) time management issues (72.6%), including logistical complexity and feeling "spread too thin;" (2) stigma and negative evaluations (48.0%), particularly from society, friends, and family; (3) jealousy (35.2%), involving one's own feelings, those of partners, and metamours (a partner's other partners); and (4) the emotionally demanding nature of polyamory (27.4%), such as increased relational complexity and emotional labor. The challenges of polyamory identified reflect both structural and interpersonal stressors that may be presenting concerns or arise in therapy. These findings support the need for culturally competent and CNM-affirming mental health practices.