Big five personality variables and relationship constructs

Associations between the personality variables of the five-factor model and close relationship variables (love styles, relationship satisfaction, and intimacy) were explored. Participants (N=196) from committed relationships were administered the NEO Personality Inventory-Revised, the Love Attitudes Scale-Short Form, the Relationship Assessment Scale, the Personal Assessment of Intimacy in Relationships, and a demographic questionnaire. Correlation and regression analyses revealed that neuroticism was negatively associated with and predictive of satisfaction and intimacy. The association between neuroticism and relationship satisfaction was completely mediated by possessive, dependent love for females. Extraversion and agreeableness were positively associated with relationship satisfaction and intimacy, especially for males. Conscientiousness was positively correlated with intimacy for males. Implications of these findings are discussed.