Frequent sexual fantasies are linked with neuroticism – a personality trait that could put you at risk of a range of physical and mental health problems – according to a study from Michigan State University, US.
Researchers surveyed more than 5,000 US adults about their sexual fantasies and personality traits.
The scientists used the Big Five framework, which is widely used in psychology to measure open-mindedness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism.
They found that more neurotic adults were likely to say they fantasised about sex more often than less neurotic adults.
Neuroticism is a trait defined by rumination, self-consciousness, and a tendency to feel negative emotions more strongly – such as anger, anxiety, irritability, stress and sadness.
Previous research has linked higher neuroticism scores to increased risk of depression, anxiety, substance issues, eating disorders and other mental health conditions.
The personality trait is associated with risk of physical illnesses, including heart disease, inflammation, immune system problems, irritable bowel syndrome and more.
In a sexual context, neuroticism has been linked to less satisfaction, more negative emotions and a higher likelihood of dysfunction.
The adults in this study who scored highly for neuroticism were particularly likely to say they regularly fantasised about sex if they had more depressive tendencies and negative emotionality.
Dr James Ravenhill – a psychologist at Royal Holloway, University of London, who was not involved with this study – told BBC Science Focus: “People who are high in neuroticism tend to experience negative mood and emotional instability, and may find it more difficult to handle stress.
“As well as offering a source of escape from general negative emotions, sexual fantasising may allow them to experience more positive and satisfying sexual relationality, albeit in the realm of fantasy.”
In contrast, individuals who scored more highly for conscientiousness and agreeableness were likely to fantasise less frequently.
Conscientiousness – in the context of psychological personality testing – is defined as a tendency to be responsible, organised, hardworking, diligent and motivated.
Meanwhile, agreeableness measures kindness, helpfulness and a willingness to cooperate with others.
This link, the study authors wrote, was primarily driven by the respectfulness and responsibility of those individuals.
“People high in agreeableness may experience more positive mood in everyday life, and greater relationship satisfaction, so less ‘need’ to live out positive aspects of sex in a fantasy world," said Ravenhill.
“Those higher in conscientiousness may fantasise less because they feel more committed to their sexual partners and are averse to infidelity, which could feed into a reluctance to engage in sexual fantasy.”
Open-mindedness has previously been associated with more liberal sexual attitudes and a willingness to experiment. However, the study authors didn’t find a link between open-mindedness and sexual fantasies.
Respondents were also asked about the type of sexual fantasies they prefer, which the scientists categorised into four themes: exploratory (such as participating in an orgy), intimate (for instance, making love outdoors in a romantic setting), impersonal (like watching others have sex) and sadomasochistic (for example, being forced to do something).
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