Social Comparison Dynamics in Bisexual Polyamorous Relationships: Part 2

Kelly Cookson uses this 11-minute video (part 2 of 3) to explore how bisexuality affects jealousy in polyamorous relationships. For example, he says, jealousy tends to occur more often between bisexual partners than for heterosexual or gay couples, because partners tend to pick those who match their sexual orientation. This often triggers two opposing results: First, jealousy is more rare when their partner is a different gender. Second, some partners are more jealous when their partner is a different gender. Cookson then turns to the role of comparisons, noting that most people are strongly motivated to think positively about themselves, and that this instinct is often threatened when there is a fear of loss (loss of a partner, fear of exclusion, relationship deterioration, etc.). This result can also be increased or decreased based on a partner’s reaction to their partner’s gender.