Dr. Sharon M. Flicker
Biography
Dr. Flicker earned her B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from Cornell University and her M.S. and Ph.D., both in Clinical Psychology, from the University of New Mexico. She held a predoctoral clinical internship at the Louisiana State University Health Services Center, where she worked with adults and children in inpatient and outpatient settings, and an NRSA postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Rochester Medical Center, where she researched women in abusive relationships. She is currently an Associate Professor of Psychology at California State University, Sacramento. Dr. Flicker’s clinical expertise lies in family therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults, adolescents, and parents. Her recent research examines attachment and relationship satisfaction in consensually non-monogamous (CNM) relationships, personality predictors of prejudicial attitudes towards and interest in engaging in CNM, and intrapersonal and interpersonal factors related to the experience of compersion (positive feelings that one feels about one's partner's relationship with another intimate partner). She currently serves as a co-lead on APA's Div 44. Committee on Consensual Non-Monogamy.
Education
B.S. Human Development and Family Studies
Cornell University
M.S. Clinical Psychology
University of New Mexico
Ph. D. Clinical Psychology
University of New Mexico
NRSA Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
University of Rochester Medical Center
Current Appointment
Associate Professor of Psychology
California State University, Sacramento
Research Topic of Interest
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Consensual Non-Monogamous Relationships
Individuals who practice consensual non-monogamy (CNM) have an interest in multiple intimate, romantic and/or sexual relationships with the knowledge and consent of all parties involved (Vaughan & Schesinger, 2018). Consensual non-monogamy encompasses various types of relationships, including open relationships, swinging, and polyamory. Although more than 20% of single U.S. Americans have been involved in CNM relationships at some point in their lives (Haupert et al., 2017) and 4-5% are currently engaged in a CNM relationship (Levine et al., 2018), research has not kept up with these trends. Furthermore, individuals in CNM relationships often experience stigma and discrimination. Our lab seeks to fill some of the gaps in the literature with an eye toward a better understanding of healthy functioning in these relationships and reducing stigma.
