The Decisions to Open a Relationship: To Three or Not to Three

by James K. Beggan

Overview

The unique contribution of The Decisions to Open a Relationship: To Three or Not to Three is how James K. Beggan considers the social and psychological processes involved in how someone makes the decision to transition from a monogamous to a consensually nonmonogamous relationship. Informed by extensive research drawn from sociology, psychology, and the decision-making literature, Beggan provides a comprehensive analysis of processes associated with expressing the desire to open a previously closed romantic relationship, with special emphasis on the unique dynamics of the triad. His analysis provides valuable insights into managing jealousy, maintaining trust, and establishing healthy boundaries. He examines moral issues associated with breaking the promise of a monogamous relationship to satisfy goals related to personal growth. The book addresses issues related to intersectionality that involve sexual orientation, gender identity, and race.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781666939965
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	09/11/2023
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	268
File size:	367 KB

About the Author

James K. Beggan is professor of sociology at the University of Louisville.

Table of Contents

Contents

Introduction
Chapter 1. The Decision to Open a Relationship
Chapter 2. Consensual Nonmonogamy
Chapter 3. Moral Reasoning
Chapter 4. Polynomics: Decision-Making about Polyamory
Chapter 5. How Do We Make Decisions?
Chapter 6. Risk Tolerance and Affective Forecasting
Chapter 7. The Centrality of Relationships
Chapter 8. Relationship Variables and Consensual Nonmonogamy
Chapter 9. The Monogamy Myth and Infidelity
Chapter 10. Triad Dynamics Conclusion
References
About the Author

Editorial Reviews

Throughout The Decisions to Open A Relationship: To Three or Not to Three, Beggan delves, in meticulous detail, into the many (often obscure) theories, models and processes involved in human decision making. Beggan draws from psychology, economics, philosophy and game theory to weave together a far-reaching collection of ideas and frameworks while managing to tie each of them back to the matter at hand: whether to initiate the discussion of opening a formerly closed relationship….To the doctoral student writing their thesis: this book is a brilliant example of research writing and you should read it[.]

Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy

Most studies of nonmonogamous relationships focus on their composition and consequences. But how do people decide to abandon monogamy in the first place? What difficulties do people face in doing so? How might they make better choices? In this rich book, James K. Beggan answers these questions by blending his grasp of the empirical literature on triadic relationships with a helpful decision-theoretic framework. The reader leaves with a nuanced sense of the different motivations, reasoning, and moral concerns surrounding these potentially transformative decisions. If you study human intimacy, read this book.”

Luke Brunning