Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-4-2026
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.
Recommended Citation
Cannoot E, Moors AC, Chopik WJ (2026) Associations between big five personality traits, facets, and sexual fantasies. PLoS One 21(2): e0329745. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0329745
Copyright
The authors
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Included in
Gender and Sexuality Commons, Other Psychology Commons, Personality and Social Contexts Commons
Comments
This article was originally published in PLoS One, volume 21, issue 2, in 2026. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0329745