Polyamorous Relationship Formation and Development of Gay, Bisexual, and Pansexual Individuals

Polyamory assumes the possibility, validity, and worthwhileness of maintaining multiple relationships with more than one person simultaneously. Up to date, there is a paucity of research investigating the experience of polyamorous relationship formation and development. In the current study, we utilized interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore the meaning ascribed to polyamorous relationship establishment experiences of 14 gay, bisexual, and pansexual individuals. This analysis yielded two group experiential themes, “An Evolving and Purposeful Journey in Polyamory” and “Personal and Relational Needs Met in Current Polyamorous Structure.” Findings provide valuable insights into counseling practice, counselor education, and future research.