Monogamy in question: Predictors of perceived shifts in attitudes toward monogamy and consensual non-monogamy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This article examines how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced U.S. adults' attitudes toward monogamy and consensual non-monogamy (CNM), defined as relationship models where partners agree to have romantic and/or sexual relationships with others. Surveying a national sample of 2,004 adults in January 2021, the study found that while the importance of monogamy remained stable for most, 23% reported it became less important, and 11% expressed increased interest in pursuing CNM relationships. Demographic factors—including age, gender, transgender identity, sexual orientation, parental status, and relationship status—were significantly associated with these attitudinal shifts. The findings suggest that the pandemic acted as a catalyst for some individuals to reaffirm traditional monogamous values, while prompting others to reconsider or explore alternative relationship structures, highlighting the complexity of relational priorities during societal disruptions.