The Big Five personality dimensions and mate retention behaviors in Iran

Abstract

Personality dimensions are associated with various romantic relationship outcomes. The current study examined associations among the Big Five personality dimensions and mate retention domains in a community sample in Iran. Participants (n=308) completed a survey that included measures of personality and mate retention behaviors. The results revealed that Conscientiousness and Openness to Experience were negatively associated with Cost-Inflicting mate retention behaviors (e.g., mate concealment, threatening infidelity), and that these associations remained significant when controlling for key demographic variables of sex, age, education, and relationship length. The results highlight the relationship between personality dimensions and mate retention in a non-Western culture. Limitations of the current study are noted and future directions are discussed.