Bridging the Science Communication Gap: The Development of a Fact Sheet for Clinicians and Researchers About Consensually Nonmonogamous Relationships

Utilizing mini-Delphi and critical communicative methods, the present study developed a fact sheet focused on consensual nonmonogamy (CNM). The fact sheet focused on topics from research and clinical practice, including: (a) definitions of relationship types (e.g., polyamory, swinging); (b) common questions (e.g., what are the relationship and health outcomes of people engaged in CNM?); (c) inclusive practices for researchers (e.g., include multioption relationship status questions); and (d) evidence-based recommendations for clinicians (e.g., create inclusive environments). Two panels of professional experts (three researchers and three clinicians) and community members (six people engaged in CNM) provided feedback on content, clarity, and accessibility. Across two surveys and iterations of the fact sheet, all panel members had high agreement on the clarity and comprehension of the content. Moreover, researchers and clinicians reported that, based on their professional experience, the information was accurate and the recommendations would be feasible for psychologists to implement. Similarly, community members agreed that the recommendations for inclusive research and clinical practice would benefit them, if implemented, as a research participant or client. A secondary goal of the present study was to provide a guide for developing evidence-based and expert driven education materials that are inclusive of insight from multiple stakeholders. Public Significance Statement The present study developed a fact sheet on consensual nonmonogamy with expert feedback from researchers, clinicians, and people engaged in consensually nonmonogamous relationships (e.g., open relationships, polyamory) using a newly developed methodology. The fact sheet contains research-based information about common questions regarding consensual nonmonogamy as well as recommendations for researchers and clinicians to be more inclusive of consensually nonmonogamous relationships.