Sexual, romantic, and intimate relationships provide opportunities for individual and interpersonal fulfillment and the enhancement of well-being. Though research has identified that consensual non-monogamy (CNM) offers unique relational benefits, little work has examined why individuals pursue CNM relationships. Both self-determination theory and self-expansion theory provide frameworks for understanding the range of intra- and interpersonal motives for choosing or negotiating a multipartnered relationship. We explored the reasons for which people engage in CNM and discuss how motivations for CNM might be linked to well-being and need fulfillment. Our study used a qualitative approach to examine the motivations individuals report for engaging in CNM relationships. As part of a larger online survey, participants completed open-ended questions examining motivations for, and experiences of, CNM relationships. Data from participants who indicated that they were currently in a CNM partnership was selected for the analyses (n = 540). Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, within a critical realist framework. Motivations were organized into six interconnected themes: reasons related to autonomy, beliefs and value systems, relationality, sexuality, growth and expansion, and pragmatism. Individuals reported diverse reasons for engaging in CNM relationships; reasons addressed both individual and relational needs and well-being. Findings contrast with stereotypic views of CNM relationships as unstable/unfulfilling or that individuals engage in CNM because of relationship problems. The findings may facilitate therapeutic interventions for counselors working with individuals who are in the process of negotiating or re-negotiating relationship boundaries.

性、浪漫和亲密关系为个人和人际关系的满足以及幸福感的增强提供了机会。尽管研究已经确定双方同意的非一夫一妻制 (CNM) 提供了独特的关系好处，但很少有研究探讨个人追求 CNM 关系的原因。自我决定理论和自我扩张理论都为理解选择或谈判多伙伴关系的内部和人际动机范围提供了框架。我们探讨了人们参与 CNM 的原因，并讨论了 CNM 的动机如何与幸福感和需求满足相关联。我们的研究使用定性方法来检查个人报告的参与 CNM 关系的动机。作为更大的在线调查的一部分，参与者完成了开放式问题，考察了 CNM 关系的动机和经验。来自表明他们目前处于 CNM 伙伴关系中的参与者的数据被选择用于分析（n  = 540）。在批判现实主义框架内使用专题分析对数据进行分析。动机分为六个相互关联的主题：与自主性、信仰和价值体系、关系、性、成长和扩张以及实用主义相关的原因。个人报告了参与 CNM 关系的各种原因；原因涉及个人和关系的需要和福祉。调查结果与将 CNM 关系视为不稳定/不令人满意或个人因关系问题而参与 CNM 的陈规定型观点形成对比。这些发现可能有助于与正在谈判或重新谈判关系边界的个人合作的咨询师的治疗干预。