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What Is Compersion?

Understanding Positive Empathy in Consensually Non-Monogamous Relationships
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( 38 ratings, 19 reviews)
Brief Description
What is compersion? Is it the "opposite" of jealousy, as it is usually believed? Is it an emotion or a behaviour? What causes it to arise and bloom? Can we "learn" compersion or invite more of it into our lives? Based on her seminal research with... Read More
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The first comprehensive, interdisciplinary book on compersion. Drawing from philosophy, psychology, anthropology, and the helping professions, the author includes her own groundbreaking, rigorous research alongside vivid stories and practical advice from interviews with racially, ethnically, and gender-diverse people in CNM relationships.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

What is compersion? Is it the "opposite" of jealousy, as it is usually believed? Is it an emotion or a behaviour? What causes it to arise and bloom? Can we "learn" compersion or invite more of it into our lives?

Based on her seminal research with consensually non-monogamous (CNM) individuals, Dr. Marie Thouin unravels these questions and more in the first-ever book to offer a comprehensive model of compersion and a practical road map to cultivating it. Each chapter features compelling stories from real CNM people, making this a captivating and highly applicable read.

In addition, Thouin addresses the broader social context, explaining how understanding compersion is a groundbreaking step toward a world that supports relational diversity and freedom. By disrupting the idea that jealousy is the only valid response to intimacy beyond monogamy, the existence and practice of compersion builds the foundation for a completely new paradigm of loving relationships.

What Is Compersion? and its conclusions have profound implications for many fields of study and practice including psychology, sexuality studies, philosophy and ethics, and law. Indispensable for CNM individuals, therapists, counsellors, and scholars, this book is also invaluable for anyone curious to learn about positive empathy, intentional relationships, and radical love.

Series: Diverse Sexualities, Genders, and Relationships

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  • What Is Compersion?
    What is compersion? Is it the "opposite" of jealousy, as it is usually believed? Is it an emotion or a behaviour? What causes it to arise and bloom? Can we "learn" compersion or invite more of it into our lives? Based on her seminal research with consensually non-monogamous (CNM) individuals, Dr. Marie Thouin unravels these questions and more in the...
    Paperback
    $6837
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    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Polyamorous Elders
    This book explores the unique group of elders, aged fifty-five and older, who practice some form of consensual nonmonogamy. It covers both the joys and challenges of multiple relationships for elders and explores how their relationships develop and evolve. Polyamorous elders face the complexities of juggling multiple relationships, as well as navigating all the issues of aging: managing medical conditions...
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  • The Handbook of Consensual Non-Monogamy
    As the first comprehensive, intersectional examination of consensual non-monogamy, The Handbook of Consensual Non-Monogamy provides evidence-based research and practice across mental health disciplines on working with consensual non-monogamous (CNM) people and relationships. Leading experts in this emerging field provide counsellor educators and practising clinicians with the authoritative, essential information they need to serve a growingβ€”yet frequently stigmatisedβ€”client population with affirmative,...
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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781538183946

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 07 June 2024

Country: United States

Imprint: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Illustration: 3 b/w illustrations; 3 tables;

Contributors:

  • Foreword by Jessica Fern

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 151.0mm

Height: 229.0mm

Weight: 490g

Pages: 314

About the Author

Marie Thouin, PhD is the author of What Is Compersion? Understanding Positive Empathy in Consensually Non-Monogamous Relationships, the first-ever comprehensive scholarly book on compersion. She has been featured in several magazines and podcasts, including ELLE, the Savage Lovecast, and Multiamory. Thouin has also published seminal research studies, the first encyclopedia entry on compersion, and is the creator of www.whatiscompersion.com, a popular website that features her research, blogs, media appearances, and a list of resources on the topic of compersion. Founder of Love InSight, a mindful dating and relationship coaching practice, Dr. Thouin supports and guides people of all backgrounds and relational orientations to create intentional and vibrant love lives.

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