The Big Five and Sexuality Trait Terms as Predictors of Relationships and Sex

• Published in: Journal of research in personality Vol. 35; no. 3; pp. 313 - 338
• Main Author: Shafer, Alan B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.09.2001
• ISSN: 0092-6566; 1095-7251
• DOI: 10.1006/jrpe.2000.2316

A pool of sexuality trait terms were factor analyzed across two overlapping studies. In both studies the sexuality trait terms loaded heavily on a single unrotated factor. The sexuality trait terms were moderately related to the Big Five, but also displayed variation independent of the Big Five and did not appear to be parallel to any specific Big Five factor. In study one (N = 252) the relation of the sexuality trait terms, gender, and the Big Five to measures of attachment, the life task of intimacy, dating attitudes, and dating history were examined. In study two (N = 189) the relation of the sexuality trait terms, gender, and the Big Five to measures of sexual attitudes and behavior were examined. In both studies multiple regression revealed that the sexuality trait terms had an effect independent of both gender and the Big Five as predictors of sexual and relationship criteria. The differential predictive validity of the sexuality trait terms suggests they may represent a potentially important influence in the areas of sex and relationships that are not at this time classified within the Big Five framework.