This document summarizes research on three personality dimensions - traits, self-monitoring, and sociosexual orientation - and their relationship to mating and relationships. It discusses how high extraversion is associated with higher marital quality but not satisfaction. High neuroticism is linked to marital dissolution and divorce. Self-monitoring is associated with relationship stability and satisfaction. Sociosexual orientation influences the types of partners one prefers and relationship experiences. In conclusion, personality attributes influence the nature of interactions between partners and the quality and stability of their relationship.

1. The Mating Game
Chapter 15: Personality
By: Pamela C. Regan
Genesa Garcia
Ms. Santiago
Sociology 125
Spring 2012

2. Introduction
The three personality dimensions:
 Traits
 Self-monitoring
 Sociosexual Orientation

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

12. The end