Ruben Van der Meer, PhD

Dr. Ruben Van der Meer is a leading researcher in the field of personality and sexual behavior, with over 18 years of experience investigating how personality traits, social dynamics, and psychological factors influence sexual attitudes and behaviors. He is known for translating complex research into practical insights for educators, clinicians, and policymakers. His work combines rigorous quantitative studies with in-depth qualitative analyses, creating actionable knowledge in sexual health and psychology.

Specialization

Personality Psychology & Sexual Behavior
Human Sexuality Research
Sexual Attitudes and Social Dynamics
Behavioral and Psychometric Analysis
Evidence-Based Sexual Education Programs

Education

2002–2006: BSc in Psychology, University of Amsterdam
2006–2008: MSc in Behavioral Sciences, Utrecht University
2008–2013: PhD in Personality and Sexual Behavior, Leiden University

Professional Experience

2013–2016: Research Scientist, Netherlands Institute of Behavioral Research
2016–2020: Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychology, Erasmus University Rotterdam
2020–Present: Director, Center for Personality & Sexual Behavior Studies (CPSBS)
Consultant for WHO and EU initiatives on adolescent sexual health and behavior

Research Cases and Key Projects

Case Study: "Personality Traits and Online Dating Behavior" (2019) – Ruben conducted a longitudinal study with 2,500 participants analyzing how Big Five personality traits predict online dating engagement and relationship outcomes. Result: Found that high openness and extraversion correlate with increased positive interaction rates; study cited in Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
Project: "Adolescent Sexual Risk and Personality Patterns" (2021) – Developed a multi-site survey of 10,000 European adolescents to map risk behaviors and personality indicators. Result: Implemented targeted educational modules that reduced self-reported risky behaviors by 18% after 12 months.
Case Study: "Attachment Styles and Sexual Satisfaction in Couples" (2022) – Mixed-method research involving 600 couples exploring correlations between attachment, communication patterns, and sexual satisfaction. Outcome: Provided evidence for new counseling frameworks adopted by Dutch sexual health clinics.
Project: "Cultural Differences in Sexual Personality Expression" (2023) – Cross-cultural comparative study in the Netherlands, Germany, and Sweden on sexual assertiveness, curiosity, and consent awareness. Result: Identified key cultural factors influencing sexual behavior; findings integrated into EU-wide sexual education guidelines.

Selected Quotes

"Understanding the interaction between personality and sexual behavior is key to creating effective educational programs that resonate with real-world experiences." – Dr. Ruben Van der Meer
"Sexual health interventions succeed when they are grounded in rigorous psychological research and tailored to personality-driven differences." – Dr. Ruben Van der Meer

Selected Scientific Publications

Van der Meer, R., et al. (2022). "Big Five Personality Traits and Sexual Risk Behaviors in Adolescents." Journal of Sexual Medicine, 19(5), 1234–1250.
Van der Meer, R., & Janssen, L. (2020). "Attachment Styles and Intimacy Satisfaction: A Cross-Cultural Analysis." Personality and Individual Differences, 164, 110–121.
Van der Meer, R. (2018). "Personality as Predictor of Consent Awareness in Young Adults." Archives of Sexual Behavior, 47(6), 1571–1585.

Professional Memberships

International Academy of Sex Research (IASR)
European Association of Personality Psychology (EAPP)
Netherlands Society for Behavioral Research

Work on Educational Programs

Designed personality-driven sex education modules for high schools in the Netherlands and Germany
Created workshops for educators to identify personality traits affecting sexual decision-making
Developed online tools for youth to self-assess behavioral patterns and improve sexual health literacy

Interviews, Lectures, and Podcasts

Guest speaker on Dutch National Radio: "Personality and Online Dating Dynamics"
TEDx Rotterdam Talk (2021): "Personality Shapes Sexual Decisions"
Featured on the "Sexual Behavior Insights" podcast series

Unique Values and Experience

Dr. Ruben Van der Meer uniquely combines quantitative psychometric research with qualitative insights, allowing him to craft evidence-based interventions that respect individual differences. His global collaborations and culturally sensitive approach make his work highly respected and widely applied in educational and clinical settings.