Connection Beyond Coupledom: Do Single Men with Experience in Consensual Non-Monogamy Report Less Loneliness than Those Without Experience?

Background: While loneliness is a common experience, research suggests that men may be uniquely affected because of masculine ideals (Berke, Reidy, & Zeichner, 2018). People in consensually non-monogamous (CNM) relationships commonly highlight relationship benefits like shared experiences and social connection (Moors et al., 2017). To better understand how relationship structure shapes men’s connection and loneliness, we examined the experiences of men with and without prior engagement in CNM. Method: Survey data were drawn from a U.S. Census-based quota sample of 747 men with experience in polyamorous, swinging, or open relationships, and 1,431 men with no such experience (total N = 5,035). Participants answered four items measuring meaningful social interactions, using a 5-point Likert scale (1 = Never, 5 = Very Often), including in-person interactions, phone/internet interactions, conversations with dating partners, and in-person dates. Participants also reported on how loneliness positively, negatively, or does not impact their friendships, dating/romantic life, and sex life. Results: Men with CNM experience reported significantly more frequent meaningful in-person social interactions, phone or internet interactions, conversations with dating partners, and in-person dates compared to men without CNM experience (t-range = 2.88–15.67, all p values < .01). Additionally, men with CNM experience were more likely than monogamous men to report that feeling lonely positively impacted their friendships, dating/romantic lives, and sex lives (χ² range = 135–161, all p values < .001). Conclusion: Research suggests when men challenge restrictive masculine norms, they may become better equipped to cultivate emotional connection and reduce loneliness, an experience potentially fostered through participation in CNM (Nordin et al., 2024). These findings may highlight the importance of community and alternative relationship structures as an additional benefit for men who practice CNM.