Eysenck's Theory of Personality and Sexuality

Although the number of empirical studies testing Eysenck's theory has not been extensive, the literature generally supports the main hypothesis of Eysenck's theory. Personality traits seem to be predictive of individual differences in sexual arousal and behaviour patterns. Extraverts, for example, are characterized by a more hedonistic outlook on sex and more active and varied sex lives. High P scorers have a more impersonal outlook on sex and are also characterized by more attraction to sexual aggression. Evidence supporting the association between high P scores and sexual aggression was provided in some new longitudinal data collected in Winnipeg, Manitoba by the authors of this paper. Eysenck's theory has also been frequently cited by investigators who are developing new evolutionary perspectives to account for individual differences in human sexuality. Recent research suggests that Eysenck's theory may also have important practical applications, particularly in helping us to understand high risk sexual behaviour patterns placing a person at risk for AIDS and understanding individual differences in reaction to AIDS education materials.