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Humans rank between meerkats and beavers in monogamy ‘league table’

A recent study published by the University of Cambridge ranks species based on their levels of exclusive mating. Humans fall between meerkats and beavers in terms of monogamy rates. The study analyzed proportions of full versus half-siblings across various mammal species, including humans. This approach provides a more direct measure o...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 9, 2025

New study challenges the ‘monogamy-superiority myth’, as non-monogamous people report just as happy relationships and sex lives

A comprehensive meta-analysis of 35 studies involving 24,489 people across the U.S. and Europe found no significant differences in relationship or sexual satisfaction levels between individuals in monogamous and non-monogamous relationships. Non-monogamy is often viewed as inferior to monogamy due to stereotypes and media narratives.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe Journal of Sex Research·DateMar 26, 2025

Polygamy is (not) for the birds

Lekking, a mating system where males display for females without forming lasting bonds, is found to be remarkably stable and rarely evolves into other systems. In contrast, resource-defense polygamy is identified as fragile and frequently reverts to monogamy, often associated with higher extinction rates.

SourceRice University·JournalEvolution·DateJan 13, 2025

Why the powerful are more likely to cheat

A new study finds that those who feel powerful in their relationships are less dependent on others, think more highly of themselves, and are more confident that they are desirable. This can lead to a higher interest in alternative partners and a greater willingness to engage in infidelity.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2024

Married people who cheat don’t regret it

A recent study published in Archives of Sexual Behavior found that married individuals who cheat report high levels of sexual and emotional satisfaction, but low levels of regret. The survey of over 2,000 Ashley Madison users revealed that fundamental problems with the relationship are often less cited as motivations for infidelity.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateMay 22, 2023

A new Reichman University study warns: If someone’s flirting with you online, beware – it could ruin your relationship

A new study by Prof. Gurit Birnbaum reveals that online interactions, such as flirting, can be destructive to a relationship. The research found that participants who engaged in flirty chats perceived their current partner in a more negative light, both consciously and unconsciously.

SourceReichman University·JournalPersonal Relationships·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2022

Growing risks of STIs in over-45s

A study has found that middle-aged and older adults are at risk of contracting STIs due to negative attitudes and limited knowledge about their sexual health needs. The report's findings highlight four critical areas where interventions can address gaps in current healthcare provision: awareness, access, knowledge, and stigma.

Do open relationships really work?

A team from the University of Rochester found that non-monogamous relationships succeed when all parties are comfortable with each other. Monogamous and consensual non-monogamous groups reported high levels of functioning in their relationships, while partially open and one-sided non-monogamous groups showed lower levels of functioning.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalThe Journal of Sex Research·DateOct 29, 2019

Bateman's cowbirds

A study by researchers at the University of Illinois found that male cowbirds exhibit greater variation in offspring production, conforming to Bateman's Principle. Surprisingly, approximately 75% of cowbirds were monogamous for the entire breeding season despite not providing food or resources to their young.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Liberal Arts & Sciences·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateSep 30, 2019

Oxytocin leads to monogamy

Researchers found that oxytocin administration increases attractiveness of partner and strengthens monogamy by stimulating brain's reward center. The study suggests a biological mechanism for maintaining love relationships.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2013

Monogamy reduces major social problems of polygamist cultures

A new study by the University of British Columbia finds that monogamous marriage has lower levels of crime, violence, poverty, and gender inequality compared to polygynous societies. The study suggests that institutionalized monogamy reduces male competition, leading to improved child welfare and increased gender equality.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateJan 23, 2012

How much sex is enough?

Research published in BMC Evolutionary Biology shows that polygamous mice produce more fertile offspring due to increased sperm competitiveness. After 12 generations of competitive selection, polygamous males outperformed monogamous males in both paternity and fertility rates.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateJan 19, 2011