Assessing the Propensity for Sexual Excitation and Inhibition in the Spanish Population

What is it about?

The Dual Control Model, proposed by Bancroft and Janssen, explains human sexual response through two processes: sexual excitation and inhibition. Excitation involves preparation for sexual activity, whereas inhibition acts as a brake due to concerns, fears, or distractions. These processes can be triggered by physical, emotional, or environmental factors. For example, attraction to someone can generate excitation, while concerns about sexual performance can provoke inhibition. Imbalances between these processes of excitation and inhibition could result in sexual problems. Among the various assessment instruments developed within the framework of the Dual Control Model, the Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales-Short Form (SIS/SES-SF) stands out for its brevity. Its 14 items are grouped into three dimensions: (1) Sexual excitation, (2) Sexual inhibition due to the threat of performance failure, and (3) Sexual inhibition due to the threat of negative performance consequences, such as sexually transmitted infections or unwanted pregnancies. Considering the utility of this instrument in sexological research and clinical practice, this study validate the SIS/SES-SF in Spain: provides validity and reliability evidence, explores the relationship of its dimensions with sexual functioning (sexual desire, arousal, erection/lubrication, orgasm ability, and satisfaction with orgasm), and provides norms for interpreting its scores. A total of 2,223 Spanish adults (56.59% women) participated, distributed across three age groups (18-34, 35-49, and 50 years or older). The results indicate that the SIS/SES-SF constitutes a valid instrument for comparing people of different age groups but not for making comparisons between men and women. The measures provided are reliable, although it should be noted that extreme scores could present more errors. Individuals with a higher propensity for sexual excitation report fewer difficulties in desire, arousal, lubrication/erection, and orgasm, while sexual inhibition is associated with poorer sexual functioning. Study participants, both men and women, without difficulties in sexual functioning show a greater propensity for sexual excitation and less sexual inhibition than those with some type of difficulty in their sexual response.

Featured Image

Photo by camera obscura on Unsplash

Photo by camera obscura on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales-Short Form constitute a useful instrument for assessing the propensity for sexual excitation and inhibition. Its dimensions are related to sexual functioning and are capable of differentiating between individuals with and without sexual functioning difficulties. Therefore, it is a highly recommended tool for use in the field of sexological clinical practice and research.

Perspectives