Taking a Test Drive?: Implicit Theories Sexual Compatibility

Implicit Theories of Relationships address assumptions about the nature of romantic relationships, whether they are destined to succeed or grow over time through effort. Other implicit theories target certain aspects of sexuality. Implicit Theories of Sexual Compatibility (ITSC) is a proposed application of implicit theories that addresses assumptions about sexual compatibility, whether it is fixed or malleable. The current study investigated characteristics and circumstances that might help explain why individuals differ in their ITSC. A study of 1,443 young adults’ questionnaire data revealed that the ITSC items represented two distinct dimensions, namely a fixed and malleable theory. Bivariate and multivariate analyses revealed a variety of background characteristics, sexuality variables, and love/relationship beliefs associated with endorsements of the ITSC, especially the fixed perspective. For example, a fixed perspective especially was associated with being female, having had more extensive intercourse experience, a higher score on a casual sex scale, romantic beliefs, and believing couples should cohabit before marriage to learn what they are getting into.