In human behavioral science, the terms "openness" and "neuroticism" refer to specific aspects of an individual's psychological makeup that have been shown to impact their experiences of pleasure, emotional regulation, and social functioning. Openness is characterized by curiosity, creativity, intellectual engagement, and willingness to explore new ideas and situations; whereas neuroticism involves anxiety, depression, self-doubt, and vulnerability to stress. These traits can be measured through personality inventories and have been linked to various outcomes across domains such as education, health, and well-being. Recently, researchers have begun exploring how these traits might also influence erotic preference intensity and diversity - meaning the strength and breadth of an individual's sexual desires.
The Role of Openness
Studies have found that people who score high on openness tend to report greater enjoyment of novelty, variety, and complexity in their sex lives compared to those who score low.
In one study, participants with higher levels of openness reported more interest in trying out different sexual positions, fantasies, or partners than those who scored lower (Little, Bogaert, & Deckman, 2019). This finding makes sense given that openness involves a drive towards new experiences and stimuli. In addition, individuals who are high in openness may be more likely to try out different forms of pornography, kinks, or fetishes due to their desire for novelty and excitement. As such, they may experience a wider range of pleasures and discover more about themselves and their sexual interests.
Openness has a complex relationship with erotic satisfaction. While some studies suggest that it is positively correlated with orgasm frequency, others find no significant connection (Timmerman et al., 2017; Fiorina & Riello, 2018). Some researchers argue that this inconsistency stems from the fact that openness encompasses both positive and negative aspects of personality, including creativity but also sensation-seeking behaviors that can lead to risky decisions (Baumeister, Vohs, & Tice, 2007). Therefore, while openness may foster exploration and discovery, it could also contribute to impulsivity and unpredictability, which might diminish overall satisfaction.
The Role of Neuroticism
Contrary to openness, neuroticism is associated with a predisposition towards anxiety, moodiness, and self-doubt. People who score highly on this trait tend to report greater difficulties regulating emotions, higher levels of stress, and greater vulnerability to negative events (Eysenck, 1993). This tendency may have significant impacts on an individual's sexual experiences as well.
Individuals who are high in neuroticism may be more likely to feel anxious or shameful about their desires, particularly those that deviate from social norms or cultural expectations (Laumann et al., 2015). They may therefore avoid certain sexual activities altogether or engage in them less frequently, thereby limiting their range of experiences and intensities.
Neuroticism has been linked to lower rates of sexual activity and dissatisfaction among partners (Fiorina & Riello, 2018; McGrath & Foley, 2016), which may reflect the fact that individuals experiencing depression or anxiety have difficulty reaching orgasm or finding pleasure in sex (Little et al., 2019).
Some researchers suggest that neuroticism can also lead to heightened sensitivity to stimuli and increased arousal during sex, leading to enhanced enjoyment under certain circumstances (Timmerman et al., 2017). As such, while neuroticism generally predicts less positive outcomes related to erotic preferences, it is not always a straightforward predictor.
Personality traits like openness and neuroticism play complex roles in influencing our sexual lives. While openness fosters exploration and discovery, neuroticism creates obstacles to enjoying one's desires and seeking out new experiences. Both traits shape how we experience pleasure, regulate emotions, and navigate relationships with others. Understanding these factors can help us better understand ourselves and others, as well as provide insights into how to enhance our sexual satisfaction and intimacy.
In what ways do personality traits like openness and neuroticism influence erotic preference intensity and diversity?
Personality traits are important factors that can influence an individual's erotic preferences and sexual behavior, which may involve both intensity and variety of their choices. The five main facets of personality traits are Neuroticism (N), Openness (O), Extraversion (E), Agreeableness (A), and Conscientiousness (C).