Health Sciences Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Document Type

Dissertation - NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Science

Copyright Statement

All rights reserved. This publication is intended for use solely by faculty, students, and staff of Nova Southeastern University. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, now known or later developed, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author or the publisher.

Department

College of Health Care Sciences – Health Science Department

First Advisor

Dr. Christopher Burnett

Second Advisor

Dr. Joshua Boe

Date of original Performance / Presentation

January 2023

Publication Date / Copyright Date

1-1-2023

Abstract

Polyamory is a growing practice in the Afro-Caribbean community, yet current research related to Afro (Black) polyamory is minimal. Stories surrounding polyamory in Caribbean communities are relegated to social media posts, forums, and discussions. Further absent from polyamorous literature are the lived experiences of the people in this population, how masculinity serves as an influence, and the meaning they ascribe to such practices in their lives. The research question was, "What are the experiences of Afro- Caribbean men in polyamorous relationships?" Drawing from the experiences of three Afro-Caribbean men, I conducted an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) study to explore the lived experiences of being Afro-Caribbean and polyamorous. I conducted a semi-structured interview using open-ended and guided questions for the subject genogram. An IPA inductive approach was used to recognize patterns and themes , and using a Bowen family systems theory (BFST) as a deductive approach helped organize these themes. Five superordinate and 12 subordinate themes emerged from the data from the resultant thematic analysis. The findings of this study support data found in current research on Afro-Caribbean men while adding new experiences to consider for future research. Generational patterns, origins of becoming polyamorous, being Black and polyamorous, and the intersecting identities and experiences all serve as helpful information for prospective therapists working with diverse CNM clients. Keywords: Afro-Caribbean, polyamory, masculinity, Bowen family systems theory

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Keywords

Afro-Caribbean; Bowen; Caribbean; Feminism; Masculinity; Polyamory

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