Sexual Inhibition and Sexual Excitation Scales in Men: Psychometric Properties of a Polish Adaptation

Psychological characteristics associated with chemsex among men who have sex with men: Internalized homophobia, conscientiousness and serostatus as predictive factors

Background

Although significant progress has been made in the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, even today this population still faces stigma and discrimination that impacts their mental health. In the case of men who have sex with men, it has been demonstrated that the use of drugs in a sexual context (chemsex) is one of the coping mechanisms and means of escape to deal with these situations.

Method

We assessed 284 native Spanish speakers' participants, 45,4 % were not engaged in sexualised drug use (n = 129) while 54,6 % were chemsex users (n = 155) using 18,7 % of them the injected via. The participants completed six questionnaires about life and sexual satisfaction, depression, anxiety, internalised homophobia and personality. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were performed to assess the associations between sexual behaviour-related and psychological variables. Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to analysed the impact on mental health of the administration via.

Results

Aged, unprotected sexual relationships, positive serostatus, homonegativity and conscientiousness predicted the chemsex engagement. Furthermore, we found differences regarding the administration via.

Conclusions

We conclude that mental health significantly correlates with the practice of chemsex, highlighting the importance of integrating mental health considerations into the prevention of risky sexual behaviors.

The Dual Control Model of Sexual Response: A Scoping Review, 2009-2022

The Dual Control Model proposes that sexual arousal and related processes are dependent on the balance between sexual excitation and sexual inhibition, and that individuals vary in their propensity for these processes. This scoping review provides an overview and discussion of the questionnaires used to measure the propensities for sexual excitation and inhibition, their translation and validation in other languages, and their application in empirical research on topics ranging from sexual desire and arousal, sexual (dys)function, sexual risk taking, asexuality, hypersexuality, and sexual aggression. A total of 152 papers, published between 2009 and 2022 and identified using online databases, were included in this review. The findings, consistent with those reviewed by Bancroft et al. (2009), suggest that sexual excitation is particularly relevant to sexual desire and responsivity and predictive of asexuality and hypersexuality. Sexual inhibition plays a role in sexual dysfunction. sexual risk taking, and sexual aggression, although often in interaction with sexual excitation. Suggestions for the further development of the model and for future studies are discussed.

Hypo- or hyperfunction? Differential relationships between compulsive sexual behavior disorder facets and sexual health

BACKGROUND

Previous studies linking compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) and sexual health have shown mixed results, which could be due to the fact that different CSBD facets may have differential relationships with sexual functioning.

AIM

As CSBD is a multidimensional disorder, we wanted to investigate whether distinct CSBD domains are differentially related to sexual health.

METHODS

Two online studies were conducted-the first on a convenience sample (812 Polish participants; mean [SD] age, 22.07 [5.91] years) and a replication study on a representative sample of Polish adults (n = 1526; 43.02 [14.37]). Hierarchical regression was employed with sexual functioning as a predicted variable and CSBD symptoms as predictors.

OUTCOMES

The Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder Scale was used to assess CSBD symptoms, and the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale was used to measure sexual dysfunction.

RESULTS

In study 1, CSBD salience (β = -.20, P < .001) predicted hyperfunction (ie, stronger sex drive, easier sexual arousal, easier vaginal lubrication/penile erection, easier ability to reach an orgasm, and more satisfying orgasms). Yet, CSBD negative consequences (β = .15, P = .001) and dissatisfaction (β = .22, P < .001) predicted hypofunction (ie, weaker sex drive, more difficulties in sexual arousal, greater difficulties in vaginal lubrication/penile erection, less ability to reach an orgasm, and less satisfying orgasms). Similar results were found in study 2: salience (β = -.26, P < .001) and relapse (β = -.11, P = .004) predicted hyperfunction, while negative consequences (β = .12, P < .001) and dissatisfaction (β = .12, P < .001) predicted hypofunction.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Our results stress the importance of assessing the severity of each group of symptoms in patients with CSBD to better understand possible difficulties in their sexual functioning.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

Our studies are the first to evaluate the effects of each CSBD domain on sexual health. We also replicated results obtained from a convenience sample on a representative sample. The cross-sectional design of the current studies does not allow causal relations to be tested, so future longitudinal research should be carried out. We also gathered data from a general population-thus, it is important to replicate these results on patients diagnosed with CSBD.

CONCLUSION

Our research points out the differential impact of CSBD domains on sexual health: salience and relapse are related to sexual hyperfunction, while negative consequences and dissatisfaction to hypofunction.

Measurement Invariance across Sexual Orientation for Measures of Sexual Attitudes

Despite the growing interest in the study of sexual attitudes across sexual orientation, few studies have tested whether the instruments used to measure them are invariant. This study examined measurement invariance (configural, weak, strong, and strict) across sexual orientation in three different sexual attitude scales: the Sexual Opinion Survey (SOS) to assess erotophilia, the Hurlbert Index of Sexual Fantasy (HISF) to assess attitudes toward sexual fantasies, and the Negative Attitudes Toward Masturbation Inventory (NATMI) to assess negative attitudes toward masturbation. A total of 2293 Spanish adult men and women with different sexual orientations (i.e., heterosexual, bisexual, and gay) participated in the study. The results indicated strict invariance for HISF across sexual orientation and only weak invariance for SOS and NATMI. Differential item functioning was also found in two items of the NATMI scale. Evidence of validity was provided for the three scales that were studied.

Premature Ejaculation Symptoms Are Associated with Sexual Excitability: Empirical Support for the Hyperarousability Model

Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common sexual complaint among men, but its etiology is poorly understood. Previous studies on the dual control model of sexuality has revealed that propensities for sexual excitation and inhibition can contribute to sexual dysfunctions, but few studies have included a measure of premature ejaculation. We sought to explore whether PE is associated with sexual excitation or inhibition. We applied structural equation models to data from a large population-based sample of Finnish adult men. The analyses supported a four-factor solution for the sexual inhibition/sexual excitation short-form scale. The clearest result was that increased symptoms of PE were associated with a greater propensity for sexual excitation (β = 151, p < 001, n = 2953). Importantly, this excitation was intrapersonal, as opposed to stemming from social activities. The results imply that men with PE may have stronger and more rapid reactions to sexual stimuli, which in turn may lead to ejaculating earlier than desired.

Validation of the French-Canadian Version of the Sexual Inhibition and Sexual Excitation Scales-Short Form (SIS/SES-SF): Associations With Sexual Functioning, Sociosexual Orientation, and Sexual Compulsivity

Introduction

The Dual control model proposes that both excitatory and inhibitory processes are responsible for the human sexual response.

Aim

To validate the French-Canadian translation of the Sexual Inhibition and Excitation Scales-Short Form (SIS/SES-SF) by exploring its factor structure and by investigating its capacity to retrospectively predict sexual functioning and behaviors, namely, sociosexual orientation and sexual compulsivity.

Methods

A French-Canadian translation of the SIS/SES-SF was created using forward-backward translation. A community sample of 362 men and 420 women completed an online survey. The factor structure and the measurement invariance between men and women was explored using Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling. Predictive power of the scales was tested using Multiple Linear Regression models using a corrected threshold (P< .008).

Main outcome measures

Sexual functioning was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function and the Female Sexual Function Index while sexual compulsion and sociosexual orientation were measured using the Sexual Compulsion Scale and the Revised Sociosexual Orientation Inventory, respectively.

Results

The original three-factor solution of the SIS/SES-SF was replicated. All three scales showed acceptable internal consistency and good temporal stability. Yet, results only supported configural measurement invariance between men and women, suggesting that their scores cannot be directly compared. Overall, for both men and women, higher sexual excitation (SES) was significantly predictive of better sexual functioning, while higher sexual inhibition due to threat of performance failure (SIS1) was a significant predictor of lower sexual functioning. Both sexual compulsivity and sociosexual orientation were significantly predicted by higher SES and lower sexual inhibition due to threat of performance consequences (SIS2).

Conclusion

These results support the cross-cultural transferability of the SIS/SIS-SF and the Dual control model to French-Canadian men and women, higlighting the utility for clinicians to evaluate both excitatory and inhibitory factors associated with sexual dysfunction and sexual behaviors. Nolet K, Guay JP, Bergeron S. Validation of the French-Canadian Version of the Sexual Inhibition and Sexual Excitation Scales-Short Form (SIS/SES-SF): Associations With Sexual Functioning, Sociosexual Orientation, and Sexual Compulsivity. Sex Med 2021;9:100374.