If you think your partner’s high sex drive is just a sign they’re really into you – think again.
A new study has revealed how men with high libido are more likely to be a narcissist – a manipulative person who lacks empathy and has an exaggerated sense of self-importance – or a sadist – a person who gets pleasure from inflicting pain on others.
Researchers from Canada analyzed surveys from more than 1,100 students that collected information about their sex drive and pornography use, and evaluated them for narcissistic and sadist personality traits.
Researchers in Canada found a positive association between the consumption of pornography and personality traits of narcissism and sadism
Surveys done at both schools reached the same conclusion – people reporting a higher sex drive and increased pornography consumption displayed stronger symptoms of narcissism and sadism.
And men scored highest on all aspects.
The study, published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, posited that increased sexual desire and narcissism may be linked because of a narcissist’s assertive, bold and sociable personality, as well as their excitement-seeking behavior and constant need for gratification from others.
This could lead them to have more opportunities for sex and their desire for excitement may cause them to loosen or abandon sexual inhibitions.
The researchers wrote: ‘The confidence, glibness and charm of narcissists induce positive first impressions.
‘The result is more dating success and, presumably, more mating success. More frequent sexual activity would then drive self-inferences of high sex drive.’
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They continued: ‘Narcissists are also known to invest in their appearance, thereby promoting actual sexual attractiveness. The ensuing dating success and accompanying sexual activity would again promote the inference of high sex drive.’
The relationship between sadism and hypersexuality was less definitive, but a link among the two has long been theorized.
Increased levels of testosterone may be an underlying factor in both, as men – who have higher levels of the hormone – are more likely to fit sadism criteria and also report deeper sexual desires than women.
Additionally, researchers posited that ‘everyday’ sadism and pop culture portrayals of it in TV shows and movies ‘stir sexual arousal.’
This may lead some people – especially those with a higher sex drive – to associate sadistic acts with sexual arousal and pleasure.
This ‘everyday’ sadism could also lead to hyper-masculinity in everyday behaviors.
Researchers did note, however, that sadism as part of BDSM (a term used for a variety of consensual sexual behaviors including bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, and sadism) is not associated with negative sadist tendencies and may be harmless recreation motivated by boredom and desire for enhanced sexual experiences.
Still, the team said links between sexual desires and sadism ‘warrant closer attention.’
To measure the relationship between these traits and sex, researchers surveyed 1,180 students ages 17 to 29 at two different universities. They were asked to self-report sex drive and pornography use and complete a questionnaire measuring their personality aspects of the Dark Tetrad.
The ‘Dark Tetrad’ is a set of four negative personality traits that include narcissism and sadism.
The researchers said ‘everyday’ sadism in pop culture and movies, such as 50 Shades of Grey (pictured above), ‘stir sexual arousal.’ This could lead people with a higher sex drive to associate sadistic acts with sexual desire
Researchers also noted sadism as part of BDSM (exhibited above in 50 Shades of Grey) is not associated with the Dark Tetrad and may be harmless recreation motivated by boredom
There aren’t exact numbers of people suffering from narcissism, but some people with severe narcissism may be diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), which is estimated to affect between 0.5 and five percent of Americans.
NPD is a diagnosable mental health condition marked by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, a need for admiration and a lack of empathy
Similarly, some people displaying extreme levels of sadism may be diagnosed with the psychiatric condition sadistic personality disorder, which one study found eight percent of people would fit that criteria.
Common signs include experiencing heightened sexual arousal in response to involuntary extreme pain, suffering or the humiliation of other people.
Separate data estimates between two and 30 percent of the population meet criteria for being sexually sadistic, which includes partners agreeing to inflict mild pain or discomfort on each other for the sexual satisfaction of all participants.