Personality and sexuality

Research on personality and sexuality has increased over the last few decades, especially using basic trait models—Five Factor Model and HEXACO—and clinical personality constructs—particularly borderline, narcissism, and psychopathy. Spanning five broad aspects of sexuality, research shows that basic and clinical personality traits are associated with sexual motivation, sexual behavior, sexual affect and cognition, sexual orientation, and clinical sexual problems. Different personality trait dimensions are reliably associated with specific aspects of sexuality, which points to theoretical and practical implications. Theoretically, personality characteristics can be used to help explain, at least in part, variation in sexuality. Practically, links between sexuality and personality can help inform assessment and tailor intervention to promote general and sexual health.