Experts at Seattle University discovered a new sexual orientation called “symbiosexuality,” which involves being attracted to the shared energy, multidimensionality, and power between people in relationships rather than to individuals themselves, challenging traditional understandings of human attraction and desire, reports The New York Post.
The study published in the Archives of Sexual Behaviour reveals that symbiosexuals are attracted the love shared between two people and desire to be part of that relational energy, focusing on the “whole” relationship, which is considered “greater than the sum of its parts.”
Dr Sally Johnston, the study’s lead researcher, believes that human sexuality is more intricate than previously thought.”We need to rethink the nature of human attraction and desire as only one-to-one experiences,” said Dr Johnston.
Additionally, the study reveals that symbiosexuality is present across various demographics, including age, race, socio-economic status, and gender identity.
“Symbiosexuals are often stigmatised in both monogamous and non-monogamous communities,” Johnston said to The New York Post.
The term “unicorn” has been used in literature to describe this attraction, but it has negative connotations in non-monogamous circles, referring to individuals who engage in sexual activity without being involved in other aspects of the relationship.
Johnston further admits that despite potential sexual benefits, the third party in such situations often faces mistreatment, objectification, and ostracism. However, she recognized a “diverse population of people” who experience symbiosexual attraction.
The study included 145 reports from participants expressing attraction to couples rather than to individual persons within the relationship. Johnston’s research suggests that most self-identified symbiosexuals are extroverted, desire intimacy, care, and attention, and are less prone to jealousy.
“I hope that this work will reduce stigma in both monogamous and non-monogamous communities and expand conceptualizations of desire in sexuality studies,” Johnston said.
Some participants who identify as queer and sexually open reported being primarily attracted to queer and non-heterosexual couples. Johnston intends to further investigate this evolving sexual identity, focusing on its implications for mental health and relationship satisfaction.
The study published in the Archives of Sexual Behaviour reveals that symbiosexuals are attracted the love shared between two people and desire to be part of that relational energy, focusing on the “whole” relationship, which is considered “greater than the sum of its parts.”
Dr Sally Johnston, the study’s lead researcher, believes that human sexuality is more intricate than previously thought.”We need to rethink the nature of human attraction and desire as only one-to-one experiences,” said Dr Johnston.
Additionally, the study reveals that symbiosexuality is present across various demographics, including age, race, socio-economic status, and gender identity.
“Symbiosexuals are often stigmatised in both monogamous and non-monogamous communities,” Johnston said to The New York Post.
The term “unicorn” has been used in literature to describe this attraction, but it has negative connotations in non-monogamous circles, referring to individuals who engage in sexual activity without being involved in other aspects of the relationship.
Johnston further admits that despite potential sexual benefits, the third party in such situations often faces mistreatment, objectification, and ostracism. However, she recognized a “diverse population of people” who experience symbiosexual attraction.
The study included 145 reports from participants expressing attraction to couples rather than to individual persons within the relationship. Johnston’s research suggests that most self-identified symbiosexuals are extroverted, desire intimacy, care, and attention, and are less prone to jealousy.
“I hope that this work will reduce stigma in both monogamous and non-monogamous communities and expand conceptualizations of desire in sexuality studies,” Johnston said.
Some participants who identify as queer and sexually open reported being primarily attracted to queer and non-heterosexual couples. Johnston intends to further investigate this evolving sexual identity, focusing on its implications for mental health and relationship satisfaction.
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