Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Assessment of Sexual Behavior of Male Mice
Published on: March 5, 2020
Personality and sexual risk taking: a quantitative review
R H Hoyle1, M C Fejfar, J D Miller
1Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40506-0044, USA. rhoyle@pop.uky.edu
Abstract:
Findings from a quantitative review of the empirical research literature on normal personality and sexual risk taking are reported. The review focuses on domains identified in major models of normal personality representing the psychobiological and taxonomic perspectives. Focal sexual risk-taking behaviors were number of partners, unprotected sex, and high-risk sexual encounters (e.g., sex with a stranger). A comprehensive search produced 53 studies relevant to the review. A striking feature of the results is the paucity of research on domains of normal personality and sexual risk taking for all domains other than sensation seeking, which accounted for 64% of the effect sizes. The preponderance of studies (81%) took the psychobiological perspective and were published since 1990 (75%). Among the substantive findings were effects for sensation seeking, impulsivity, and agreeableness on all sexual risk-taking behaviors considered. Additionally, there were effects on specific behaviors for neuroticism and conscientiousness. The implications of these findings for future research on normal personality and sexual risk taking are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Criticisms of the Evolutionary Perspective
Evolutionary psychology provides one explanation for these findings, suggesting...
Introduction to Personality Psychology
Early Theories of Personality
The study of personality dates...
Self-Report Tests of Personality
Dark Triad and Person Perception
Factors Influencing Attraction II: Physical Attraction
Factors Influencing Attraction VI: Personality Traits

