Are You Ready for Consensual Non-Monogamy?: Mononormative assumptions, research findings, and recommendations for clinical practice

35^th Euro Congress on Psychiatrists and Psychologists

June 16-17, 2025 Webinar

Elizabeth A. Goodwin

MSCP, USA

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Clinical Neurology & Neurosurgery

Abstract :

Statement of the Problem: Consensual non-monogamy (CNM) has been a growing movement and, in recent years, has emerged with an ever increasing presence in popular media, academia, research, and interest among the scientific community. Results from two separate studies found that approximately 21 percent of the U.S. population reported engaging in CNM at some point in their lives (Haupert et al., 2017). Another research study found the lifetime prevalence rate even higher at 32 percent (Rubin et al., 2014). Further, research has estimated that 5 percent of North America is currently engaged in a consensually non monogamous relationship, and indeed, clinicians are reporting seeing various forms of CNM in settings from private practice to government healthcare settings (Moors, et al., 2023). Relationship-expansive or alternative sexual communities and sexual minority persons report challenges seeking treatment from traditional healthcare models that are derived from mono-heteronormative assumptions (APA, 2021). Individuals engaged in CNM, therefore, may not know where to turn to seek mental health support, and when they do, they often encounter providers who are not adequately equipped or who decline to treat them. Research suggests that individuals engaged in CNM may experience higher rates of psychological distress and are at increased risk for suicide compared to the general population (Sprott, & Schechinger, 2019; Cramer et al., 2020). CNM is an evolving option for some individuals and families, and practitioners must educate themselves about relationship-expansive communities. Stigma, inaccurate information, and mononormativity contribute to societal stereotyping, discrimination, and, unfortunately, negative interactions with healthcare providers. This presentation will discuss research findings, stigma and marginalization, and the American Psychological Association Division 44 recommendations for building inclusive healthcare practices for people engaged in CNM (Moors, et al., n.d.). Several case studies will be explored, presenting a balanced view of benefits and challenges. Emerging trends of suicide risk behaviors among individuals practicing CNM, with recommendations for inclusive medical practices, will be discussed (Cramer et al., 2020; APA, 2023).

Biography :

Elizabeth A. Goodwin is a U.S. licensed clinical psychologist with a post-doctoral master’s in clinical psychopharmacology. She is the Founder of Insightful Mind, LLC, providing trauma-informed, culturally sensitive psychological consultation, testing, supervision, and psychotherapy to individuals and couples. She has provided psychological services domestically and abroad to the U.S. Government and all branches of the U.S. Military. She is a reviewer for Oxford University Press, the International Journal of Military Medicine, and a previous Adjunct Professor at Purdue University Global. She has published journal articles on enhancing resiliency in deployment settings, trauma and substance use, biofeedbackassisted relaxation, and reducing the stigma associated with mental health services. She is passionate about ethical approaches to providing special populations with culturally sensitive and inclusive psychological services.