Characteristics of Relationship Agreements and Associations with Relationship Functioning Among People with Diverse Relationship Structures

Abstract

Having a relationship agreement — a mutual understanding between partners regarding relationship and sexual behaviors both within and outside their relationship — has been linked with healthy relationship functioning. Yet research has been largely limited to sexual agreements among gay and bisexual men, with few studies regarding relationship agreement prevalence, types, and motivations among people of diverse sexual and gender identities and relationship types (e.g., polyamory, monogamy). This study sought to describe characteristics of and motivations for relationship agreements and examine associations between agreements and two metrics of relationship functioning: adaptive decision-making and satisfaction. In a cross-sectional online survey about sexuality, dating, and relationships among people of diverse sexual orientations, 722 U.S. participants (M age 29.3, 48.9% cisgender women, 83.7% non-heterosexual, 34.9% monogamous) provided data regarding relationship agreements, decision-making, and satisfaction. Bivariate and regression analyses were used to examine individual and relational correlates of having an agreement as well as associations between agreements, deciding, and satisfaction. A large majority of participants (N = 594, 82.3%) had a relationship agreement. Nearly two-thirds described their current relationship status as some form of consensual non-monogamy (CNM), with 41% having 2 or more current significant partners. Common reasons for making an agreement included building trust and honesty, protecting the relationship or partners’ feelings, managing expectations, and preventing HIV or STIs. Across participants, having an agreement — regardless of the type — was associated with higher scores on both satisfaction and decision making. Implications for couples/relationship researchers and therapists are discussed.