Erotophilia

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Erotophilia is a term used by psychologists to describe sexuality on a personality scale. Erotophiles score high on one end of the scale that is characterized by expressing less guilt about sex, talking about sex more openly, and holding more positive attitudes toward sexually explicit material. In contrast, erotophobes score high on the opposite end of the scale, erotophobia, which is characterized by expressions of guilt and fear about sex. Erotophobes are less likely to talk about sex, have more negative reactions to sexually explicit material, and have sex less frequently and with fewer partners over time.

[edit] Background

This dimension of personality is used to assess openness to sex and sexuality. It is an important dimension to measure because of the health and safety risks associated with poor sexual education. Research on this personality dimension has shown a correlation between high erotophilia scores and a more consistent use of contraception and a greater knowledge about human sexuality. The word erotophilia is derived from the name of Eros, the Greek god of romantic love, and philia, (φιλία) an ancient Greek word for love. Researchers occasionally use the term "sex positive" interchangeably with erotophilia.