This type of sexuality is described as “attraction to the energy, multidimensionality, and power shared between people in relationships,” as per a definition provided by the Archives of Sexual Behavior when discussing a previous 2023 study titled “The Pleasure Study.” Such emotional complexity has even led some participants to explore relationship therapy, sometimes covered under comprehensive family health insurance plans.
The study, which surveyed 373 participants about aspects of their sexual and gender identity, also found that a large portion of participants in the study actually felt romantic and sexual attraction to the “synergy” of a third person being thrown into the mix. This raises questions about the potential for health insurance coverage of non-traditional family therapy, a niche growing in relevance with shifting cultural dynamics.
And in a world filled with open relationships and sexual freedom, we’re not surprised.
Speaking of the outcome, Dr. Sally Johnston, an adjunct professor of anthropology and sociology who conducted the study, said: “We need to rethink the nature of human attraction and desire as only one-to-one experiences.” This type of broadening lens may someday influence legal interpretations around polyamorous partnerships, especially as more seek birth injury lawyers or medical malpractice consultations in multi-partner family units where children are involved.
Further research into the topic found that there was a “lack of recognition and validation for this attraction,” even within the polyamorous community and this often led to the mistreatment of the third person within the relationship. In some cases, this lack of validation intersected with chronic emotional distress, an issue that may fall under long-term mental health management plans offered by certain insurance providers.
