- By Prerna Targhotra
- Mon, 02 Sep 2024 06:04 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Symbiosexuality Meaning: A recent study by researchers of Seattle University revealed that people can also get attracted to established couples, referred to as ‘symbiosexuality’. It represents a type of attraction where individuals form a deep connection based not just on physical or emotional traits but on a significant sense of mutual interdependence or symbiosis. This notion expands beyond conventional definitions of sexual orientation, exploring how people connect through shared, harmonious interactions that surpass mere compatibility.
The study “Attraction to the Energy, Multidimensionality and Power Shared Between People in Relationships” is published in the Archives of Sexual Behaviour. The author of the study, Dr Sally W. Johnston said, “We need to rethink the nature of human attraction and desire as only one-to-one experiences.” The study revealed that a large group of participants have felt a romantic and sexual attraction to a third person's "synergy".
Dr Sally W Johnston says that the nature of human attraction and desire as only one-to-one experiences should be reevaluated. She said she first encountered symbiosexual relationships while researching how "unicorns" are treated in a polyamorous bonding. Usually, "unicorn" refers to a bisexual woman who is in a relationship with a heterosexual couple.
Johnston says she is currently looking at the relationship dynamic among the general public to get a deeper understanding of symbiosexuality. "I hope that this work will reduce stigma in both monogamous and non-monogamous communities and expand conceptualisations of desire in sexuality studies," she told PsyPost.
What Is Symbiosexuality?
Symbiosexuality describes a distinctive type of sexual attraction that emphasises a mutually beneficial and synergistic relationship between individuals. Unlike traditional sexual attraction, which often centres on physical appearance or emotional compatibility, symbiosexuality focuses on how well two people complement each other in ways that enhance their overall sense of well-being and connection.
This form of attraction is marked by a profound sense of unity and support, where the involved individuals experience a deep and harmonious bond. This bond can manifest in shared goals, activities or a mutual understanding that goes beyond typical romantic or sexual expectations.
