Sexual conflict is a natural part of any relationship, but how it is resolved can be influenced by different personality traits of each partner. Different personalities may experience conflict differently, which means that they will also negotiate and resolve conflicts differently.
Their level of satisfaction during and after resolving conflict will vary based on their individual personality types.
Let's define what we mean by "sexual conflict" and "resolution." Sexual conflict occurs when there are differing desires, needs, or expectations related to sex between partners. It can arise from differences in libido, desire for certain activities, frequency of sexual encounters, or even communication styles around sex. Resolution refers to the process of finding a solution that satisfies both parties involved in the conflict. There are many ways this can happen, such as compromise, negotiation, or one partner giving in to the other.
Let's consider how personality traits play into all of this. Personality traits refer to enduring patterns of thought, feeling, and behavior that are characteristic of an individual. Some common examples include extroversion vs introversion, sensation seeking vs sensation avoidance, agreeableness vs disagreeableness, conscientiousness vs impulsivity, and neuroticism vs emotional stability. These traits have been shown to influence sexual attitudes and behaviors, including conflict resolution styles.
Someone who is more agreeable may be more likely to make concessions during a conflict, while someone who is higher in sensation-seeking may be more likely to take risks and try new things to satisfy their partner.
When it comes to negotiation, personalities also play a role. Negotiation involves discussing the issues causing tension and coming up with a plan to address them. Those high in extraversion tend to be better at initiating these conversations, while those low in neuroticism are less likely to get upset during them. Conscientious individuals may prefer planning and organization when negotiating, while agreeable partners may focus on mutual understanding and empathy.
People who are lower in conscientiousness are more likely to engage in unethical strategies like lying or manipulation.
There is evidence that personality traits can influence satisfaction after conflict resolution. Individuals high in openness tend to report greater post-conflict satisfaction, possibly because they value exploration and novelty. Agreeableness has also been linked to higher levels of relationship satisfaction overall, which could mean that this trait might also contribute to post-conflict satisfaction.
Those high in sensation seeking are generally happier with a wide range of possible outcomes, so they may feel more satisfied regardless of how the conflict ends.
Personality traits can affect sexual conflict resolution, negotiation, and post-resolution satisfaction. Different combinations of personality traits can lead to different approaches to resolving conflicts, as well as differing levels of satisfaction. Understanding these differences can help couples work together to find solutions that work for both parties involved.
How do personality traits influence sexual conflict resolution, negotiation, and satisfaction in couples?
Personality traits such as assertiveness, empathy, openness to experience, and conscientiousness can have significant effects on how individuals resolve conflicts in relationships, negotiate with their partners, and achieve satisfaction from their romantic partnerships (Ellis et al. , 2017; Gable & Fletcher, 2013).