Researchers have explored the intriguing connection between sexual fantasies and personality traits, yielding unexpected insights.
Discussing sexual fantasies can feel awkward and is not typically office conversation. Fortunately, a comprehensive study offers some clarity for those curious about the topic.
At Michigan State University, researchers interviewed 5,000 individuals, investigating the link between sexual fantasies and personality characteristics. They discovered an intriguing relationship between people’s private fantasies and their personalities.
The study revealed that adults with higher levels of neuroticism tend to have more frequent sexual fantasies compared to their less neurotic counterparts.
So, what exactly is neuroticism? The National Library of Medicine defines it as ‘the trait disposition to experience negative affects, including anger, anxiety, selfâconsciousness, irritability, emotional instability, and depression’.
The study found that individuals prone to anxiety and depression are more likely to engage in frequent sexual fantasies.
The researchers noted, “People high in negative emotionality might engage in sexual fantasies as an emotion regulation tool to compensate for negative mood.”
They added, “Agreeable people may be less likely to sexually fantasize because of their respect for norms and others.”
The full research findings are available in PLOS One, where the experts explain their methodology in detail.
“Agreeableness and conscientiousness are associated with norm endorsement, harm prevention, and traditionalism,” the study stated. “Thus, it seems reasonable to assume that they might be less likely to engage in fantasies that are nonâtraditional, bridge social norms, or simulate consensual aggression.”
The researchers further commented, “The fact that depression was strongly related to sexual fantasy – and that anxiety and emotional volatility were not – provides support for the possible emotional regulatory function of sexual fantasies.”
Dr. James Ravenhill, a psychologist not involved with the study, discussed with BBC Science Focus how individuals with high neuroticism may struggle with managing emotions and stress.
Dr. Ravenhill suggested that for these individuals, ‘sexual fantasising may allow them to experience more positive and satisfying sexual relationality’.
Conversely, those on the other end of the spectrum are likely to experience more positive emotions, potentially leading to ‘greater relationship satisfaction’.
Dr. Ravenhill further explained to the BBC that such individuals are less inclined to explore ‘aspects of sex in a fantasy world’.