According to recent research, frequent sexual fantasies are linked to neuroticism, a personality trait that can elevate the risk of various physical and mental health issues. A study conducted by Michigan State University reveals intriguing insights.
In this study, researchers surveyed over 5,000 American adults, examining their sexual fantasies and personality traits.
The scientists utilized the Big Five personality framework, a standard tool in psychology, to assess openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.
Findings indicated that individuals scoring high in neuroticism reported fantasizing about sex more frequently than their non-neurotic counterparts.
Neuroticism is characterized by rumination, self-consciousness, and a propensity for negative emotions like anger, anxiety, irritability, stress, and sadness.
Previous studies have correlated high neuroticism levels with an increased risk of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders, and other mental health conditions.
This personality trait is also associated with a heightened risk of physical ailments, including heart disease, inflammation, immune dysfunctions, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Within sexual contexts, neuroticism can lead to lower satisfaction, heightened negative emotions, and an increased likelihood of dysfunction.
Participants with high neuroticism scores, particularly those experiencing depression or negative emotions, were more prone to report frequent sexual fantasies.
Dr. James Ravenhill, a psychologist at Royal Holloway, University of London, who was not part of the study, noted in BBC Science Focus: “Individuals high in neuroticism often struggle with emotional instability, making it challenging to manage stress.
“Sexual fantasies provide an escape from negative emotions, allowing individuals to experience more rewarding and fulfilling sexual relationships, even if only in their imaginations.”
Conversely, participants scoring high in conscientiousness and agreeableness tended to fantasize less frequently.
Conscientiousness refers to the traits of being responsible, organized, and motivated, while agreeableness relates to kindness and a desire to cooperate with others.
The authors attribute the lower frequency of fantasies among these individuals to their respect for and responsibility toward their partners.
“People high in agreeableness experience more positive moods and have higher relationship satisfaction, lessening their need to escape into sexual fantasies,” Ravenhill explained.
“Those high in conscientiousness may also fantasize less due to a commitment to their partners, as infidelity often contradicts their values.”
While openness has been traditionally linked to more liberal sexual attitudes, the study found no significant connection between open-mindedness and sexual fantasies.
Participants shared their preferred sexual fantasies, which the researchers categorized into four themes: exploratory (e.g., attending an orgy), intimate (e.g., making love outdoors), impersonal (e.g., watching others have sex), and sadomasochistic (e.g., being compelled to perform a task).
Read more:
Source: www.sciencefocus.com
