The purpose of this research is to investigate which personality traits are associated with higher levels of sexual attraction and relational compatibility in both online and offline dating contexts. While previous studies have examined these factors separately, this study combines them into one comprehensive investigation.
Methodology
This was an experimental study involving a total of N 100 participants, each of whom completed an online survey consisting of three sections. Section I asked about demographic variables such as age, gender, education level, marital status, and occupation. Sections II and III included measures of several aspects of personality, including Big Five dimensions (Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Openness to Experience, and Neuroticism) and Sexual Desire Inventory subscales (Sex Drive and Sexual Arousal), as well as a measure of Relationship Satisfaction. Participants also completed the Dyadic Adjustment Scale to assess relationship satisfaction in their current or most recent romantic relationship.
Findings
Results indicated that Extraversion and Openness were significantly positively related to both Sexual Attraction and Relational Compatibility in both online and offline dating contexts. Agreeableness was negatively correlated with Sexual Attraction in both contexts but showed no significant relationship to Relational Compatibility. Conscientiousness was unrelated to either variable in both contexts. Surprisingly, Neuroticism was negatively correlated with Sexual Attraction in both contexts but did not predict Relational Compatibility.
These findings suggest that certain personality traits are more important for sexual attraction and relational compatibility than others, regardless of whether people meet potential partners through online or offline means.
Discussion
The findings confirm previous research indicating that Extraversion and Openness are associated with higher levels of sexual attraction and relational compatibility.
This study adds nuance by demonstrating that these variables influence these outcomes similarly across different modes of dating, suggesting they may be particularly powerful factors in successful relationships. Conversely, Agreeableness was found to be less relevant to attraction and compatibility in our sample. This suggests that individuals who score low on Agreeableness may be better suited to engaging in casual hookups rather than long-term committed relationships. The study also provides evidence for the importance of considering one's own neurotic tendencies when assessing romantic prospects, as high levels of Neuroticism may interfere with the ability to form healthy attachments.
The results indicate that some personality traits are more important for sexual attraction and relational compatibility than others, regardless of how couples meet. Future research should focus on exploring why certain personality traits are related to successful relationship outcomes while others are not, as well as identifying other potential influential factors such as physical attractiveness and shared interests.
Which personality traits predict higher levels of sexual attraction and relational compatibility in both online and offline dating contexts?
According to recent research on psychology, there are several key personality traits that have been found to be highly correlated with greater likelihood of attracting potential partners online or offline, including openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.