Personality and sex

This study investigated the links between 12 personality traits representative of the five major personality domains and sexual attitudes and behaviours. Respondents were 125 university undergraduates who participated in the study in exchange for course credit. The data were analysed using correlation analysis, MANOVA (General Linear Model), and principal components analysis. Although the correlation analysis showed that sexual attitudes and behaviours were related to a wide range of personality traits, the more advanced analyses revealed that these attitudes and behaviours can best be understood in terms of components of E as well as a small number of other facets. The principal components analysis suggested that sexual attitudes can be grouped into two distinct categories, namely, sexual anxiety/fear of sex and sexual motivation/sexual preoccupation. Each has its own personality correlates. The results are discussed with reference to earlier research.