An Examination of Internalized Consensual Non-Monogamy Negativity and Help Seeking Beliefs, Attitudes, and Intentions
Date
2022-08
Authors
Tracy, Megan
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Abstract
Although consensually non-monogamous (CNM) relationships have grown in prevalence (Haupert et al., 2017; Rubel & Bogaert, 2014), a high degree of stigma surrounding CNM relationships remains (Balzarini et al., 2018; A. C. Moors et al., 2013). Previous research has indicated that stigma surrounding CNM relationships may be internalized (Moors et al., 2021) and internalized stigma has been found to impact help seeking beliefs, attitudes, and intentions in similarly marginalized populations (Lappin, 2019). A multiple linear regression approach was used to examine how three dimensions of internalized CNM stigma predict help seeking beliefs, attitudes, and intentions within a CNM sample with previous experience as an additional variable. Public identification of CNM identity was found to predict attitudes toward seeking help (stigma tolerance) (F(3, 162)= 4.815, p= .044), R2 of .082. When previous experience was included as an independent variable, a significant relationship was found between help seeking intentions, the factors of internalized CNM negativity, and previous experience (F(4,160)=5.63, p<.001, R2 of .123), though only previous experience was a significant predictor of help seeking intentions (p<.001). Additionally, previous experience was significantly related to beliefs about expertness (p=.044). Lastly, well-being was negatively correlated with personal discomfort of CNM identity, r(165)=-.191, p=.013. Findings from this study may help mental health providers understand barriers to accessing mental health services this population faces, the possibility of protective factors within this population, and how to better connect with this community.
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Keywords
Consensual non-monogamy, Help seeking attitudes, Help seeking beliefs, Help seeking intentions, Polyamory, Self-stigma, Minority stress, Internalized consensual non-monogamy negativity
Citation
Tracy, M. (2022). <i>An examination of internalized consensual non-monogamy negativity and help seeking beliefs, attitudes, and intentions</i> (Unpublished thesis). Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.