Examining the Psychometric Properties of the Sexual Excitation/Sexual Inhibition Inventory for Women (SESII-W) in a Sample of Lesbian and Bisexual Women |
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| Authors: | Kristen N. Jozkowski Stephanie A. Sanders Kelley Rhoads Robin R. Milhausen Cynthia A. Graham |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation, University of Arkansas;2. The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction, Indiana University;3. The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction, Indiana University;4. Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention, Indiana University;5. Department of Gender Studies, Indiana University;6. Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph;7. Department of Psychology, University of Southampton |
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| Abstract: | The Sexual Excitation/Sexual Inhibition Inventory for Women (SESII-W) assesses propensities for sexual excitation (SE) and inhibition (SI). Previous research utilizing the SESII-W included samples comprised exclusively or almost entirely of heterosexual women. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the SESII-W and assess its relation to aspects of sexual function within a sample of lesbian and bisexual women. The sample included 974 self-identified bisexual (n = 733) or lesbian/homosexual (n = 241) women who completed an online survey including items assessing women’s sexual behaviors, feelings, and functioning, sociodemographics, and the SESII-W. The sample was split; exploratory factor analyses were conducted on the first half, yielding eight lower-order factors with two higher-order factors. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted on the second half and suggested reasonable model fit. SI was positively correlated with sexual problems and negatively correlated with sexual pleasure; the correlations were significant but small. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between SESII-W scores and sexual problems/sexual pleasure, controlling for age, relationship duration, and relationship status. Four lower-order factors predicted reports of sexual problems. Findings indicated the SESII-W has similar psychometric properties among sexual minority women as it does among heterosexual women. |
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