New Delhi: A study by researchers at Seattle University found that people might feel attracted to couples who are already together. This is known as symbiosexuality, where someone experiences romantic or sexual attraction to an existing relationship.
The study, titled “Attraction to the Energy, Multidimensionality and Power Shared Between People in Relationships,” was published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior.
Dr. Sally W. Johnston, the study’s author, suggests rethinking the idea that attraction and desire are limited to one-on-one relationships. Her interest in symbiosexual relationships began with her research on “unicorns” in polyamorous relationships.
According to VeryWellMind, a unicorn is someone who enjoys intimacy with a couple but is not involved in other aspects of their relationship.
Johnston noted that the third person in these relationships is often mistreated, objectified, and excluded, despite the sexual benefits.
Her current study builds on The Pleasure Study, a larger project that explores various aspects of gender, sexual orientation, relationship patterns, cultural background, education, and interactions with couples.
The Pleasure Study Explained Symbiosexuality
The Pleasure Study included a survey with sixty-five questions on various topics. Johnston concentrated on responses from people who said they were attracted to a couple as a unit, rather than to each person separately. Out of 373 participants in the study, at least 145 reported experiencing this type of attraction.
Most of these individuals identified as queer (over 90%) and polyamorous (87.5%). The majority of the participants were white, middle-class, and had university degrees.
Johnston noted, “A variety of people experience symbiosexual attraction, which involves being drawn to the energy, multidimensionality, and power shared between people in relationships.”
Most people with symbiosexual attraction are extroverted, appreciate closeness, affection, and consideration, and are less likely to feel jealous.
Recently, Zendaya’s new film Challengers has increased interest in polyamory and “throuples.” In the film, Zendaya’s character is involved in a complex love triangle with two men. Symbiosexual relationships also appear in shows like Gossip Girl and Tiger King.
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