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This study was designed to explore the expectations, needs, wants, hopes, and experiences of polyamorous women in their relationships. The study was informed by the Waring Intimacy Questionnaire (Waring & Reddon, 1984) and the eight facets of intimacy identified for this measure. In this study 250 polyamorous women in the United States answered questions about their relationship experiences via a web-based survey. Descriptive data was gathered about why participants choose to engage in polyamorous relationships and what expectations, needs, hopes, and wants they achieved or did not achieve. Information gathered included demographic information, commitment practices, and relationship preferences. Participant responses were divided into subgroups, and while responses varied across sub-populations, nearly all subgroups described greater overall satisfaction in their polyamorous relationships. Participants reported, overall, that they experienced significant rewards and benefits in their polyamorous relationships, and that those rewards and benefits outweighed the moderate drawbacks that they perceived.

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Dr. Rachel Robbins is a licensed clinical psychologist and sex educator in private practice providing psychotherapy for adults, young adults, and couples. She works clinically and through research to provide non-judgmental supportive services for a range of sexualities including LGBTQ, BDSM, kink, non-monogamy, gender fluidity, and sex work.

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