Measuring sexual compulsivity among young adults

Background: Sexual compulsivity (SC) has been associated with risk for HIV/STI transmission and other negative outcomes beyond those related to sexual health. Several measures have been developed to assess SC but, primarily, have been tested in clinical samples and samples of gay men. As a result, we know little about assessing SC in non-clinical groups, particularly young adults and women. The purpose of the study was to assess the psychometric properties of two scales used to assess SC. Methods: Data were collected from undergraduate students using convenience sampling methods (N = 390). Measures included a comprehensive sexual behavior questionnaire, Compulsive Sexual Behavior Inventory (CSBI), and the Sexual Compulsivity Scale (SCS) and a new scale developed to measure negative outcomes of sexual behavior. Data analyses included descriptive and inferential statistical techniques to assess sample and scale characteristics. Results: The results indicated high levels of internal consistency for the CSBI (á = .87), SCS ( á = .79), and the new 20-item outcomes based measure (á = .89). Evidence of construct validity was established using Pearson's Correlation and Principal Components Analysis. Forward stepwise logistics regression analyses suggest that the CSBI and SCS are capable of predicting negative outcomes and unprotected sex. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the CSBI and SCS have acceptable levels of internal consistency and construct and criterion-related validity when used in a young adult sample. Further, both measures were able to predict negative outcomes of sexual behavior and unprotected sex. These findings may be important for assessment or screening.