@inproceedings{01H8S620X1NYFJ5GVRDSXR5EH5,
  abstract     = {{Background: Individuals in consensual non-monogamous (CNM) relations more often experience negative attitudes in response to disclosing their relationship constellation. In fear of anticipated stigma, CNM individuals can develop strategies of visibility management, aimed at concealing a sexual minority status to navigate social circles. Such development of a ‘private’ and ‘public’ self potentially has an impact on disclosing relevant information toward health care providers (HCPs) (e.g., on sexual practices) and, hence, on receiving adequate health care (e.g., adequate HIV/STD testing). A recent U.S. study reports 13% of trans gender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals are involved in consensual non-monogamous relationships (Levine et al, 2018). As with other sexual aspects of TGD lives, the prevalence of and experiences with CNM remain largely unexplored. It is often assumed attitudes on CNM are more positive among TGD individuals, although studies comparing attitudes with cisgender samples are lacking.
Method: An online survey (“Diversity in relationships”) was conducted in Flanders (Belgium) in a convenience sample of 6,849 participants. A total of 559 HCPs participated, of which 77 general practitioners and 482 mental health professionals. Among the sample, 128 participants identified as transgender or gender diverse, and 6720 as cisgender.
Results: (1) In a first analysis, attitudes on CNM among both groups of HCP’s were assessed. Both general practitioners and mental health professionals reported attitudes of a similar positivity as the non-HCPs in the sample. Attitudes positively correlated with having more CNM-proximity (in personal life or social circle). Most of the Flemish HCPs could not remember the topic CNM being introduced during their professional training. A mediation model showed a significant direct association of knowledge on the frequency of contact with CNM clients. At the same time, a significant indirect path through skills was found. HCPs having more CNM-knowledge, have more frequent contact with this group of clients in the context of their practice. (2) In a second analysis, the experience of CNM relationship constellations of TGD and cisgender participants were compared. Preliminary results show TGD have more often (had) experience with CNM relationships. Results will be presented on a mediation model between gender identity, attitudes on CNM-relations and having (had) experiences in such relationships (‘the CNM-factor’).
Discussion: Our results illustrate the relevance of the contact hypothesis, suggesting that (some) HCPs potentially have more knowledge and insight in non-exclusive relationship forms. This stresses the importance of recent models, such as the O4O-model, being introduced in medical trainings in Flanders, presenting general practitioners with a specific method to address the topic of sexuality-related topic with clients.}},
  author       = {{Elaut, Els}},
  booktitle    = {{Annual Meeting of the International Academy of Sex Research, Abstracts}},
  keywords     = {{consensual non-monogamy,relationship diversity,polyamorous and multipartnered people,gender diversity,attitudes}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  location     = {{Montreal, Canada}},
  title        = {{Can the contact hypothesis (partly) explain the attitudes on consensual non-monogamy among health care professionals?}},
  year         = {{2023}},
}