Validation of the Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales - Short Form in LGB people

What is it about?

Human sexuality is the result of a complex balance between factors that drive people to act and other factors that cause them to restrain themselves. This idea is the foundation of the Dual Control Model, a theory that has gained momentum in recent decades in explaining people's tendency to be both sexually excited and inhibited. In this framework, the Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales-Short Form (SIS/SES-SF) allow the assessment of this individual propensity toward sexual excitation or inhibition. The SIS/SES-SF assesses three dimensions: propensity for sexual excitation (SES), sexual inhibition due to the threat of performance failure (SIS1), and sexual inhibition due to the threat of performance consequences (SIS2). This measure already showed evidence of validity in the heterosexual population; however, to date, it has not been examined whether it validly and reliably assesses excitation and inhibition in people of diverse sexual orientation. Until now, most studies that include the use of this scale have focused on heterosexual people, leaving sexual diversity people out of the picture. This study has addressed this issue by validating the Spanish version of the SIS/SES-SF in people of different sexual orientation (bisexual, gay/lesbian and heterosexual) by examining the level of invariance of this instrument for exploring differences between sexual orientation groups and the relationship of its measures with sexual functioning. The study included 4634 men, of whom 445 were bisexual, 1714 gay and 2475 heterosexual; and 3216 women, of whom 1440 were bisexual, 716 lesbian, and 2500 heterosexual. In women, the scale showed invariance, i.e., valid for comparing their scores between lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual women. In men, on the other hand, the maximum level of invariance was not reached, suggesting that comparisons should be made with caution. As for the results, bisexual and gay men showed a higher propensity for sexual excitation and inhibition due to the threat of performance failure than heterosexual men. However, these differences could potentially stem from the scales' own biases and should, therefore, be considered with caution. Bisexual women, on the other hand, showed higher scores on propensity for sexual excitation compared to heterosexual women and lesbians. However, on sexual inhibition due to threat of performance failure, heterosexual women scored higher. In contrast, sexual inhibition due to the threat of performance consequences was higher in heterosexual and lesbian women compared to bisexual women. We also examined how propensity for sexual excitation and inhibition were related to sexual desire, arousal, lubrication or erection, ability to reach orgasm, and satisfaction with orgasm. In general, a higher propensity for sexual excitation was associated with better sexual functioning. Conversely, higher levels of inhibition were linked with more difficulties, especially in the ability to be aroused or to reach orgasm.

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Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study not only validates a psychometric instrument (the Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales-Short Form) in LGB people, a group traditionally ignored in most research, but also underscores the need to include sexual diversity people in sexological science developments. Improving our understanding of sexual excitation and inhibition and understanding how these traits vary by sexual orientation and how they relate to sexual functioning is key to promoting sexual health

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