Differences in Daily Dynamics of Psychological Distress and Relationship Quality Between Plurisexual and Heterosexual Individuals

The purpose of this study was to explore differences in within-person dynamics of romantic relationship quality and psychological distress between plurisexual and heterosexual individuals. Cross-sectional research has found higher levels of psychological distress among plurisexual individuals; however, how the day-to-day affective dynamics differ between the groups remains unexplored. The present study utilised daily diary data spanning up to four months, comprising several variables assessing relationship quality and psychological distress. The sample (N = 131) consisted of 43 plurisexual individuals and 88 heterosexual individuals in romantic relationships. Multilevel models were used to examine group differences in mean and variance levels. Additionally, within-day and between-day partial correlation networks were statistically compared between groups. The results showed that plurisexual individuals experienced higher mean levels, greater variance and more interconnectivity of symptoms of psychological distress, and somewhat lower levels of global relationship quality than heterosexual individuals. No group differences were found in daily mean levels of relationship quality, but fluctuation in relationship quality was more strongly associated with next-day fluctuation in both psychological distress and relationship quality among plurisexual individuals. Findings indicate that the heightened psychological distress experienced by plurisexual individuals does not affect relationship quality in daily life, but impacts how fluctuation in relationship quality is experienced. This might be due to a heightened sensitivity to negative experiences, and the relationship being more central for plurisexual individuals. Additionally, loneliness seems to be particularly harmful, whereas high sexual satisfaction and commitment appear especially beneficial for relational and personal wellbeing among plurisexual individuals. ; Syftet med denna studie var att undersöka hur dynamiken inom individen när det gäller kvaliteten på ...