Temperament refers to an individual's unique personality traits that affect their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and interactions with others. One such trait is sexual initiation which describes how often someone expresses interest in having sex and takes steps to make it happen. Sexual responsiveness refers to how eagerly someone participates in and enjoys sex when it occurs. Negotiation refers to discussing boundaries and desires before, during, and after sex. Relational satisfaction refers to how happy someone feels about their partner and relationship overall.
Studies show that temperament plays a role in all four areas of sex.
People who are more extraverted tend to initiate sex more frequently than those who are introverted. They may also have higher expectations for sexual frequency. Extraverts are generally happier with their partnerships, likely due to being more open and willing to negotiate. On the other hand, introverts may feel less satisfied in relationships but be better at communication, possibly leading to greater relational satisfaction.
Extraversion is related to impulsivity, meaning extraverts are quick to act on their desires and respond well to sexual cues.
They can be less emotionally aware, making them prone to misreading their partner's signals or lacking understanding of their own emotions. Introverts are more introspective and deliberate, taking time to process information and consider options. This makes them better at self-control, listening, and expressing needs.
Sensation-seekers seek new experiences, including trying new positions and locations. High sensation-seekers are likely to initiate sex, while low sensation-seekers may wait for others to take the lead. Those high in sensation-seeking tend to enjoy variety and novelty, which leads to more positive attitudes towards sex. Sensuality describes one's preference for physical touch and pleasure, affecting responsiveness. People high in sensuality tend to enjoy intimacy and be more easily aroused.
Openness refers to a person's curiosity and exploration of new ideas. Highly open people are open to new sexual experiences, and may experiment with different positions, partners, or fantasies. They also have higher expectations for frequency than those who are less open. Agreeableness means an individual has a desire to please others, which could result in compromise during negotiations. Neuroticism involves anxiety about relationships, so neurotics may feel unsure and avoid conflicts. Conscientiousness involves planning and structure, affecting negotiation.
Temperament influences many aspects of sexual behavior, initiation, responsiveness, negotiation, and relational satisfaction. Understanding these differences can help individuals communicate effectively and find mutually satisfying solutions.
No single trait determines how someone behaves or feels about their relationship. The interplay of all traits is complex and depends on the context and partner.
How does temperament influence sexual initiative, responsiveness, negotiation, and relational satisfaction?
In terms of sexual initiation, the study reveals that individuals with high neuroticism are more likely to experience relationship conflicts than those who possess low neurotic tendencies (Gagnon & Simonet, 2016). This suggests that neurotic people may be prone to taking risks in order to obtain sexual pleasure, as they seek reassurance through their relationships.