Associations between big five personality traits, facets, and sexual fantasies

TL;DR

This study explores how personality traits relate to the frequency and variety of sexual fantasies in over 5,000 adults.

Contribution

It identifies specific personality facets, like respectfulness and depression, that are linked to sexual fantasy patterns.

Findings

High conscientiousness and agreeableness are linked to fewer sexual fantasies across multiple domains.

Negative emotionality, especially depression, correlates with more frequent sexual fantasizing.

Extraversion and open-mindedness show minimal associations with sexual fantasy frequency.

Abstract

The present study investigated associations between Big Five personality traits, their facets, and the frequency and variety of sexual fantasies in a sample of 5,225 adults (M = 58.30 years old; 56.5% men). People high in conscientiousness and agreeableness report fewer sexual fantasies across exploratory, intimate, impersonal, and sadomasochistic domains; these effects were primarily driven by respectfulness and responsibility facets. Negative emotionality, particularly the depression facet, was associated with more frequent sexual fantasizing. Extraversion and open-mindedness showed minimal relationships with sexual fantasy frequency. These results underscore the importance of personality dimensions in understanding sexual thoughts, emphasizing the heterogeneity of sexual fantasies across individuals. Having a broader appreciation of the heterogeneity of sexual experiences can foster more inclusive approaches to sexual well-being in psychological research and clinical practice.

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