A psychometric comparison of three scales and a single-item measure to assess sexual satisfaction

J Sex Res. 2014;51(2):159-69. doi: 10.1080/00224499.2013.816261. Epub 2013 Oct 10.

Abstract

This study was designed to systematically compare and contrast the psychometric properties of three scales developed to measure sexual satisfaction and a single-item measure of sexual satisfaction. The Index of Sexual Satisfaction (ISS), Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction (GMSEX), and the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale-Short (NSSS-S) were compared to one another and to a single-item measure of sexual satisfaction. Conceptualization of the constructs, distribution of scores, internal consistency, convergent validity, test-retest reliability, and factor structure were compared between the measures. A total of 211 men and 214 women completed the scales and a measure of relationship satisfaction, with 33% (n = 139) of the sample reassessed two months later. All scales demonstrated appropriate distribution of scores and adequate internal consistency. The GMSEX, NSSS-S, and the single-item measure demonstrated convergent validity. Test-retest reliability was demonstrated by the ISS, GMSEX, and NSSS-S, but not the single-item measure. Taken together, the GMSEX received the strongest psychometric support in this sample for a unidimensional measure of sexual satisfaction and the NSSS-S received the strongest psychometric support in this sample for a bidimensional measure of sexual satisfaction.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Male
  • Personal Satisfaction*
  • Psychometrics / instrumentation*
  • Sexual Partners / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires / standards*