Couples in open relationships are up to 20 per cent happier, research finds
COUPLES in open relationships are up to 20 per cent happier on average, research shows.
They are said to be less stressed and enjoy a more passionate love life.
One in 25 Brits is estimated to have been in a relationship in which sex with others was allowed. Psychologists also found they were nearly twice as likely to be high earners as monogamous pairs.
The researchers quizzed 555 individuals on their sex lives, including over 200 who had more than one partner at a time.
They marked them in various categories, with scores for those in open relationships 19 per cent lower for anxiety, down 16 per cent for stress and reduced 13 per cent less for depression.
Passion was rated 23 per cent higher, self-esteem was up 14 per cent, and satisfaction with life eight per cent greater.
One theory is that they are better at communicating and handling domestic rows, and are less likely to sulk.
Lead researcher Thomas Brooks, of Texas A&M University-Commerce, said: “People in open relationships have to learn how to spend more time and energy making sure that emotional needs are met for multiple partners. That suggests they are developing higher social-emotional skills.
“People in open relationships are more flexible and responsive to their partners. They likely have to work harder and it pays off in the long run.”
The study is published in the journal Psychology & Sexuality.