Examining the Psychometric Properties of the Sexual Excitation/Sexual Inhibition Inventory for Women (SESII-W) in a Sample of Lesbian and Bisexual Women

J Sex Res. 2016 Sep;53(7):836-48. doi: 10.1080/00224499.2015.1066743. Epub 2015 Oct 19.

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.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Bisexuality / physiology*
  • Bisexuality / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Homosexuality, Female* / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychometrics / instrumentation*
  • Sexual Behavior / physiology*
  • Sexual Behavior / statistics & numerical data
  • Surveys and Questionnaires / standards
  • Young Adult