Evaluation of psychometric properties of the sexual excitation and sexual inhibition questionnaire in Iranian Men Population

A significant part of the variance in sexual dysfunction and high-risk sexual behaviors in individuals can be predicted through a dual control model that measures sexual excitation and sexual inhibition. The present study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the sexual excitation and inhibition questionnaire in the Iranian men.

This was a cross sectional study. A sample of 200 married male teachers from Tehran who were selected through the convenience sampling method participated in the study and completed the Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales (SIS/SES) and the Hurlbert Index of Sexual Assertiveness. Forward-backward translation procedure was applied to provide the Iranian version of the SIS/SES. The correlation coefficient, the goodness of fit indices, First and second-order confirmatory factor analysis, and reliability were used for data analysis.

The results of confirmatory factor analysis showed the 6-dimensional model of sexual excitation and inhibition questionnaire (Inhibitory Cognitions, important relations, Pair elements, Arousability, Partner’s characteristics, and Relationship location) showing acceptable fit to the data. The root mean square error of approximation was estimated to be 0.064 and the comparative fit index was estimated to be 0.916. Cronbach's alpha of the whole scale was 0.894 and the subscales were 0.832, 0.805, 0.731, 0.780, 0.812, and 0.766, respectively. Also, the intraclass correlation coefficient was higher than 0.8 lending support to the stability of the questionnaire. Convergent and divergent validity was satisfactory.

The results showed that the Persian version of the Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales (SIS/SES) is an appropriate instrument for use in Iran, and experts can use this questionnaire in counseling and therapy centers to detect high-risk sexual behaviors and poor sexual performance of men.