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The topic of my PhD thesis is Consensual Non-Monogamy: An Evolutionary Psychological Examination.
Consensual non-monogamy (CNM), which includes relationship structures such as polyamory, open relationships, and swinging, has been an increasingly popular topic of discussion in academic literature, global media, as well as Finnish media recently; yet, this discourse often lacks the biological and evolutionary explanations for straying from monogamy due in part to the fact that previous literature on CNM has primarily been rooted in the social sciences. The aim of this research is to utilize an evolutionary psychological perspective to examine the motivations and processes via which individuals and couples engage in CNM. The dissertation will compile four published research articles based on the following projects: an ethologically-focused literature review describing the mechanisms and motivations behind engagement in CNM; a cross-cultural multi-partner relationship maintenance and satisfaction study; a survey examining experiences of jealousy along varying stages of romantic attachment in monogamous and CNM adults; and finally, an experimental study assessing romantic jealousy response in CNM and monogamous individuals. By utilizing a strong theoretical framework and a robust research design, the dissertation will offer a methodologically rigorous contribution to the growing body of research on CNM. The results from this research will hold significance for scientific and lay audiences alike, and prompt consideration for what these findings can signify for intimate relationships, family structures, and clinical practice going forward.