Many asexual individuals, those with little to no sexual attraction, are in long-term satisfying romantic relationships, but there was little study on how and why they last and thrive. Latest research from Michigan State University found that, despite asexuals’ lack of or dislike for sexual attraction, the ingredients that make for a successful relationship amongst asexual individuals are virtually similar to those in every other relationship.

“Although asexuals do not have the will for sexual relationships, they nevertheless form romantic relationships and people connections look no less than somewhat just like non-asexuals’ romantic relationships,” said William Chopik, associate professor in MSU’s psychology department and coauthor of the study.

The study, published in Frontiers in Psychology, is amongst the most important studies of asexual individuals’ relationships ever conducted and the just one to look at what predicts commitment and longevity of their relationships. The study checked out a sample of 485 individuals who self-identified as on the asexual spectrum and are currently in a romantic relationship. That is considered one of the one published studies that allowed people to self-identify with any asexual spectrum label, along with allowing them to make use of every other sexual or romantic labels that fit.

“I sincerely hope that this study will more widely show the range of the asexual community, make clear their experiences and show that being on the asexual spectrum doesn’t preclude one from successful romantic relationships or love,” said coauthor and research associate Alexandra Brozowski.

The long-standing theory about what predicts who breaks up and who stays in relationships, called the Investment Model, says that individuals stay in relationships in the event that they are comfortable and satisfied, in the event that they have invested time and energy into the connection and in the event that they do not have every other options. Many theories say that sex is a central a part of romantic relationships, which does not leave room for asexual relationships.

“We found that the identical ingredients predict success in these relationships, so they are not weird, bizarre, worse than or much different in any respect from non-asexual people’s relationships.” Chopik said. “The hope is that this destigmatizes asexual people’s relationships as just as satisfied and customary as non-asexual people’s relationships.”

Source:

Michigan State University

Journal reference:

10.3389/fpsyg.2022.912978