ROMANTIC JEALOUSY IN ALTERNATIVE COMMITTED RELATIONSHIPS

This literature review examines the impact of romantic jealousy on consensual non-monogamous (CNM) relationships. Research on romantic jealousy has dominantly focused on heterosexual monogamous relationships, with minimal empirical research on non-heteronormative relationships. In addition, awareness and positive societal attitudes towards non-monogamous partnerships have increased over time, demonstrating a need for increased research into alternative committed relationships. Relevant relationship factors within CNM partnerships are reviewed, including relationship type, level of consent, partner perceptions, and gender and sexual orientation. Further, factors of romantic jealousy that have been shown to influence CNM relationships are also reviewed, including mate retention behavior, relationship closeness, sexual desire, communication, and partner autonomy. Finally, this review examines available research on treatment goals, intervention strategies, and therapeutic approaches for working with CNM partners presenting with romantic jealousy as a primary concern. Findings summarized in this review show that treatment for CNM partners' jealousy should include considerations for the impact of negative societal attitudes, thorough assessment of relationship characteristics, and treatments focused on reducing romantic jealousy, improving communication, and sexual identity education and awareness. This review supports the need for continued research on understanding how romantic jealousy functions within CNM relationships, and identifying specific evidence-based treatment methods for working with CNM partners in clinical settings.