What your personality says about your sexual fantasies — and why it matters

Sexual fantasies are something many people experience but rarely talk about openly. That is precisely why new research exploring the link between personality and fantasising is likely to catch attention — it speaks to quiet, personal questions people often keep to themselves.

A study published in PLOS One analysed responses from 5,225 adults in the United States and examined how personality traits relate to how often people experience sexual fantasies. The researchers focused on the widely recognised “Big Five” traits: extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism and open-mindedness.

One key finding stood out. People who scored higher in neuroticism — a trait linked to emotional sensitivity, anxiety and mood fluctuations — reported more frequent sexual fantasies. In contrast, individuals who were more conscientious and agreeable tended to report fantasising less often. Traits such as responsibility and respectfulness appeared to be associated with lower fantasy frequency.

Many people quietly wonder whether their private thoughts are “normal”. Research like this reassures readers that variation is common and often connected to broader personality patterns rather than anything unusual or unhealthy. It also challenges stereotypes. Being outgoing or adventurous did not necessarily mean someone fantasised more frequently.

Beyond curiosity, the findings have practical value. For clinicians and therapists, understanding how personality traits relate to sexual imagination can improve conversations about intimacy and wellbeing. For individuals, it offers insight rather than judgement.