Relational Dynamics of Swinging Relationships: An Exploratory Study

This exploratory study used qualitative methods to gain a richer understanding of the relational dynamics in modern swinging relationships. Swinging was defined at the onset of the study as sexual activities that married couples engage in with people other than their spouses. Twenty people (10 couples) volunteered and were interviewed using computer-mediated communication. Symbolic interactionism provides the theoretical framework for the study. Within the construct of relational dynamics, themes of power and decision making, commitment to swinging, and privacy about swinging emerged.