# 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.

## Key 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.