Symbiosexuality: The Trend of Being Attracted to Established Couples

Symbiosexuality: Dr. Sally W. Johnston, the study’s author, proposes rethinking the notion that human attraction and desire are confined to one-on-one interactions.

Researchers at Seattle University conducted a study revealing that individuals may feel attracted to established couples. This phenomenon, known as symbiosexuality, involves experiencing romantic and sexual attraction to an existing relationship.

The research, 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, encourages a reevaluation of the belief that human attraction and desire are confined to one-on-one interactions. She noted that her initial experience with symbiosexual relationships arose from her research on the treatment of “unicorns” in polyamorous dynamics.

According to VeryWellMind, a unicorn is someone who enjoys intimacy with a couple but does not engage in other aspects of the relationship.

Johnson noted that the third partner in these relationships often faces mistreatment, objectification, and social exclusion, despite any sexual benefits.

Her current research is heavily influenced by The Pleasure Study, a broader initiative designed to explore various aspects of gender, sexual orientation, relationship dynamics, cultural background, education, and specific experiences with couples.

The Pleasure Study included a survey with sixty-five questions covering a wide array of topics.

Johnston concentrated on responses from individuals who reported being attracted to a couple, meaning they were drawn to the couple as a unit rather than to each person separately.

Out of The Pleasure Study’s 373 participants, at least 145 reported experiencing this type of attraction.

More than 90% of these respondents identified as queer, and 87.5% identified as polyamorous, with the majority being white, middle-class university graduates.

However, Johnston emphasized, “There is a diverse group of people who experience symbiosexual attraction—an attraction to the energy, multidimensionality, and power shared between people in relationships.”

Most symbiosexuals identify as extroverted, value closeness, affection, and consideration, and are generally less likely to experience jealousy.

The release of Zendaya’s latest film, Challengers, has recently spotlighted polyamory and “throuples.” In the film, Zendaya’s character becomes involved in an intense love triangle with two men.

Symbiosexual relationships are also depicted in shows like Gossip Girl and Tiger King, in addition to Challengers.

FAQ

1. What is symbiosexuality?

Symbiosexuality is a sexual orientation where attraction is connected to the idea of symbiotic relationships, characterized by mutual dependency or cooperation.

2. How is symbiosexuality different from other sexual orientations?

Unlike traditional sexual orientations that are based on attraction to specific genders or individuals, symbiosexuality focuses on the nature of the relationship dynamics, specifically mutual dependence and cooperation.

3. Is symbiosexuality widely recognized?

No, symbiosexuality is a relatively niche and less widely recognized term compared to more established sexual orientations.

4. How does one identify as symbiosexual?

Identifying as symbiosexual might involve recognizing a preference or attraction to relationships that are symbiotic in nature, where there is a strong sense of mutual support and interdependence.

5. Where can I learn more about symbiosexuality?

Since it’s a less common term, resources might be limited. You may find information in specialized academic literature, niche online communities, or discussions about emerging concepts in sexuality.