Study Reveals Jealousy Dynamics in Monogamous and Non-Monogamous Relationships

A recent study published in Evolution and Human Behavior explores the different experiences of jealousy in consensually non-monogamous and monogamous relationships. Researchers discovered that people in non-monogamous relationships report experiencing less jealousy overall compared to those in monogamous ones. However, the perceived desirability compared to their partner causes similar stress across both relationship types.

Understanding Mate Value Discrepancy

The study focused on the concept of mate value discrepancy (MVD). This term describes the gap between how attractive, smart, or successful someone feels compared to their partner. In monogamous relationships, it is well documented that feeling either more or less desirable than a partner can lead to insecurity and tension. This research aimed to identify if such feelings also exist in non-monogamous arrangements, including polyamory and open relationships.

Study Parameters

Researchers surveyed 512 individuals from 62 different countries. Among them, 312 were in monogamous relationships, and 200 were in consensually non-monogamous ones. Participants reported on their self-perceived value and managed challenges like jealousy and conflict. Standard psychological scales tracked mate value, mate guarding, conflict, and behavior toward maintaining relationships.

Findings on Self-Worth

In both relationship types, individuals who felt less valuable or replaceable than their main partner reported more frequent conflicts and rivalry with others of the same sex. These results align with prior studies on monogamous couples, indicating that feeling less desirable can make someone feel the relationship is at risk, leading to jealousy and controlling behavior.

Conversely, in non-monogamous relationships, feeling more desirable than a secondary partner often led to similar levels of conflict and rivalry, a reversal of the dynamic seen with primary partners.

The Role of Communication

Overall, non-monogamous participants experienced less jealousy and lower levels of mate guarding and rivalry. Communication played a crucial role in reducing relationship issues for both groups. Open discussions about attraction and jealousy, along with appreciating a partner’s intimacy with others, were essential factors. Conversely, ranking partners into a hierarchy frequently increased jealousy, rivalry, resentment, and mate guarding.

Researchers suggest these findings challenge the belief that non-monogamy naturally eliminates jealousy. Though non-monogamous individuals weren’t more susceptible to the effects of desirability discrepancies than their monogamous counterparts, they weren’t more resistant either. Given that monogamy is culturally prevalent worldwide, this research provides valuable insights into counseling and education for various relationship structures.

Reference: Swanson, F. L. et al. (2026). How perceived mate value discrepancies are related to jealousy, mate guarding, intrasexual competition, and partner conflict in monogamous and consensually non-monogamous relationships. Evolution and Human Behavior. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2026.106936.