Associations between big five personality traits, facets, and sexual fantasies

Emily Cannoot, Amy C Moors and William J Chopik

PLOS ONE, 2026, vol. 21, issue 2, 1-10

Abstract: The present study investigated associations between Big Five personality traits, their facets, and the frequency and variety of sexual fantasies in a sample of 5,225 adults (M = 58.30 years old; 56.5% men). People high in conscientiousness and agreeableness report fewer sexual fantasies across exploratory, intimate, impersonal, and sadomasochistic domains; these effects were primarily driven by respectfulness and responsibility facets. Negative emotionality, particularly the depression facet, was associated with more frequent sexual fantasizing. Extraversion and open-mindedness showed minimal relationships with sexual fantasy frequency. These results underscore the importance of personality dimensions in understanding sexual thoughts, emphasizing the heterogeneity of sexual fantasies across individuals. Having a broader appreciation of the heterogeneity of sexual experiences can foster more inclusive approaches to sexual well-being in psychological research and clinical practice.

Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0329745

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0329745

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