More than 1 in 5 single Americans have tried consensual non-monogamy

A new study in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy found lifetime participation in consensually non-monogamous relationships tops 21% among single U.S. adults and cuts across age, income, religion and politics. Relationship coach Kitty Chambliss says the biggest challenge is not jealousy itself, but the belief that jealousy should disappear.

Why it matters: - More than one in five single American adults have tried consensual non-monogamy at some point in their lives, according to research published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy. - The finding suggests open and consensually non-monogamous relationships are more common than many people assume. - The study found the rate held steady across age, education, income, religion, region, political affiliation and race.

What happened: - Research published Oct. 12, 2026 in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy found lifetime participation above 21% among single American adults. - Kitty Chambliss, who has coached people in open relationships since 2015, said the number is not surprising to practitioners in the field. - Chambliss founded Loving Without Boundaries in 2012 and works with individuals and couples in open and consensually non-monogamous relationships.

The details: - Chambliss is the author of "Jealousy Survival Guide: How to Feel Safe, Happy, and Secure in an Open Relationship," which reached No. 1 in Love and Romance on Amazon in November 2017. - The book has sold more than 7,400 copies. - Chambliss has worked with more than 390 clients. - Chambliss hosts a podcast that has run for more than 290 episodes. - Chambliss said many clients come in hoping for a rule or agreement that will make jealousy disappear. - Chambliss said there is no agreement that makes the feeling go away. - Chambliss said jealousy often points to older wounds or needs that predate the current relationship. - Chambliss is a Master Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation and is not a licensed therapist.

Between the lines: - The data points to a large group of Americans with firsthand experience in non-monogamy, but little broad social support for handling its emotional strain. - Chambliss argues the core mistake is treating jealousy as a sign of failure instead of information that needs attention. - That framing shifts the focus away from controlling a partner's behavior and toward the person experiencing the emotion.

What's next: - Chambliss says people should distinguish between coaching and therapy before deciding where to seek help. - More Americans may continue exploring consensually non-monogamous relationships as awareness grows, but emotional support appears to lag behind participation. - The field's central challenge remains helping people manage jealousy without assuming it should vanish.