The study explored how different personality traits affected people's liking and willingness to participate in various sexual activities and sexual interactions.
Researchers recruited 246 heterosexual men and women who were between the ages of 18 and 45 years old. Participants filled out questionnaires that measured their levels of openness to experience, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness, neuroticism, sexual desire, romantic desire, sexual self-esteem, sexual satisfaction, sexual motivation, sexual knowledge, sexual assertiveness, sexual receptivity, sexual excitability, sexual risk-taking, sexual communication, sexual confidence, sexual attraction, sexual compatibility, sexual passion, sexual trustworthiness, sexual creativity, sexual variety, sexual sensitivity, sexual flexibility, sexual generosity, sexual adventurousness, sexual intensity, sexual duration, sexual novelty, sexual stimulation, sexual spontaneity, sexual intimacy, sexual intimacy-seeking, sexual safety, sexual empathy, sexual responsiveness, sexual curiosity, sexual pleasure, sexual arousal, sexual affection, sexual compatibility, sexual dominance, sexual submission, sexual interdependence, sexual excitement, sexual tension, sexual fantasizing, sexual seduction, sexual foreplay, sexual arousal, sexual positioning, sexual timing, sexual attire, sexual context, sexual location, sexual surroundings, sexual touch, sexual words, sexual movements, sexual sounds, sexual roles, sexual positions, sexual behaviors, sexual games, sexual practices, sexual experiences, sexual preferences, and sexual acts.
The results showed that people with high scores on openness to experience were more likely to be interested in trying new sexual activities, such as BDSM or swinging. People who scored high on conscientiousness were more likely to seek out sex for emotional closeness rather than physical pleasure, while those who scored high on extroversion were more likely to engage in public sex. Agreeableness was linked to a preference for romantic and tender interactions during sex, while neuroticism was associated with avoiding risky sexual behavior.
Sexual desire predicted willingness to participate in most types of sexual activities and interactions. Romantic desire was related to seeking out sex for love and connection, while sexual self-esteem was associated with greater interest in experimenting with different types of sex. Sexual satisfaction was linked to higher levels of sexual assertiveness, which was positively correlated with increased sexual exploration and novelty.
The study demonstrated that individual differences in temperament can have significant effects on sexual behavior and game preferences. Understanding these connections could help individuals find partners with compatible sexual needs and desires, leading to better relationships and more satisfying intimacy.
How do individual differences in temperament predict preferences for sexual behaviors and games?
According to research on personality traits and their relationship with sexual behavior, individuals who are more extraverted tend to be more open to new experiences, including trying out different sexual activities (e. g. , sex toys). In contrast, those with higher levels of neuroticism may have more anxiety and apprehension about engaging in sexual activities, leading them to prefer familiar routines and less adventurous practices.