New Delhi: Symbiosexuality is an emerging concept in the study of romance and attraction, suggesting that some people are drawn to the dynamics between couples rather than to individuals themselves. This idea contrasts with traditional views on attraction, which typically focus on one-to-one relationships. The phenomenon was recently identified by researchers at Seattle University. Dr Sally W. Johnston, adjunct professor of anthropology and sociology who conducted the study, proposes that our understanding of attraction should expand beyond individual connections.
This growing field invites us to reconsider how we understand and experience romantic and emotional connections in our lives. As we explore this concept further, it encourages a more inclusive understanding of relationships, recognising the diverse ways people experience and express love.
Understanding symbiosexuality
Dr Johnston’s interest in symbiosexuality began during her research on ‘unicorns’ in polyamorous relationships. A unicorn is someone who has intimate connections with a couple but does not engage in other aspects of the relationship. Often, unicorns face objectification and mistreatment despite their involvement.
In her recent study, Dr Johnston explored symbiosexuality using data from The Pleasure Study, a comprehensive research project on gender, sexual orientation, relationship patterns, and cultural backgrounds. Johnston focused on responses from participants who reported being attracted to a couple as a unit, rather than to each person individually. Out of 373 participants, 145 mentioned experiencing this type of attraction.
Who experiences symbiosexuality
The study revealed that over 90% of those experiencing symbiosexual attraction identified as queer, and 87.5% were polyamorous. Most respondents were white, middle-class university graduates, but the study also highlighted a diverse range of people who experience this type of attraction. Symbiosexual individuals are often extroverted, seek closeness, and are less prone to jealousy. They are drawn to the shared energy and multidimensionality of relationships between people.
As symbiosexuality gains more recognition, it encourages a broader view of human attraction and relationships, opening new avenues for understanding romance and connection.
Symbiosexuality, a newly identified form of attraction, shifts the focus from individual connections to the dynamics between couples. Researchers at Seattle University have uncovered this intriguing phenomenon, showing that some people are drawn to the shared energy and multidimensionality within relationships. As research continues, we may gain deeper insights into how and why people experience attraction in this unique way. Relationships Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
