3. Traits
Supertraits a.k.a. the “Big Five”:
Extraversion
Neuroticism
Openness to experience
Agreeableness
Conscientiousness
4. Extraversion
People with high levels of this dimension…
Often called extroverts
Like to socialize
Outgoing, cheerful, energetic, self-confident people
Researchers say…
Have higher levels of marital quality
Struggle with adjustment and well-being
No association between extraversion and marital
satisfaction
5. “It is possible that extraversion does not directly
influence relationship stability but rather has an
indirect effect by influencing how partners interact
with each other… Results suggest that extraverted
people may indirectly affect their own relational
outcomes via the support they provide their partners
… Thus, it is possible that the personality
attributes—specifically, the extraversion levels—of
romantic partners may influence the nature of their
interactions… These interpersonal dynamics may
work to either enhance or erode the quality and
stability of the relationship.”
-The Mating Game by Pamela C. Regan
6. Neuroticism
People with high levels of this dimension…
Called emotional instability or negative emotionality
Prone to frequent and intense negative emotions
Moody, highly strung, sensitive, touchy people
Researchers say…
Linked with marital dissolution
High chances of divorce
Associated with both quality and stability of romantic
relationships
7. “High levels of this personality trait are associated with
relationship disruption and dissatisfaction.”
-The Mating Game by Pamela C. Regan
8. Self-Monitoring
Self-monitoring is the tendency to monitor or regulate the
images that one presents to others
High self-monitors…
Treat social interactions as performances
Present themselves in a variety of ways to suite different audiences
Attentive to social cues and the impressions they make on others
Low self-monitors…
Convey their authentic feelings
Attentive to their internal state of being
Consistent behavior
Researchers say…
Not associated with mate preferences
Associated with stability and satisfaction in relationships
9. “…The empirical evidence in general seems to
indicate that this personality dimension does play at
least some role in mating relationships.”
-The Mating Game by Pamela C. Regan
10. Sociosexual Orientation
Sociosexuality reflects the extent to which people require
emotional intimacy and commitment before becoming
sexually involved with a romantic partner
Restricted
Unwilling to engage in sex outside of a committed relationship
Require emotional closeness before engaging in sexual activity with a
romantic partner
Unrestricted
Require substantially less affection before having sex with a romantic
partner
Researchers say…
Associated with the preference to different types of dating partners
Associated with relationship experiences
11. “…Who we are, to some extent, determines the quality
of our relationships.”
The Mating Game by Pamela C. Regan