About this Podcast:
In this episode, Natasha is joined by Dr. Alex Tatum, a psychologist and professor at Illinois State University, to talk about what the research says about polyamory. He studies consensual non-monogamy and the experiences of people in polyamorous relationships. Alex and his colleagues surveyed 63 American adults who have been or currently are in polyamorous relationships. Their first paper looked at what first led people to pursue polyamory and found four common themes: values alignment, relationship factors, external stimuli, and sexuality. Natasha and Alex discuss the difference between choosing polyamory because it fits who you are and trying to open a relationship to fix it.
Their newer paper takes a strengths-based approach and asks what helps people navigate the challenges of polyamory. It identified eight themes, including communication skills, managing difficult emotions, compersion and well-managed jealousy, and a willingness to challenge the cultural expectation of monogamy.
About the Guest:
Dr. Alex Tatum is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Idaho State University, a licensed psychologist, certified sex therapist, researcher, and educator. He holds a PhD in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University Chicago and completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in sexual health at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Before joining ISU, he spent five years as an Assistant Professor at Ball State University. His professional interests include research, personality, sexuality, and mentoring future psychologists through clinical training and supervision.
Read the research:
Initial Motivations for Engaging in Polyamorous Relationships (Archives of Sexual Behavior, 2023): doi.org/10.1007/s10508-023-02750-z
"I Know How to Identify and Communicate My Needs": A Qualitative Study of the Self-Perceived Strengths of People in Polyamorous Relationships (Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 2026):https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jmft.70119
Psychology Today write-up of the first study, "Why Some Couples Choose Polyamory":https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/talking-apes/202312/why-some-couples-choose-polyamory
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of the Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions. Thank you for listening.
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Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro music by Otter Creek.
Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
