Analysis

The Multidimensional Measure of Comfort With Sexuality (MMOCWS) is a psychometric tool designed to assess the level of comfort and acceptance an individual feels regarding their own sexuality. This scale examines various aspects of sexuality, such as sexual identity, attitudes toward sexual expression, and personal beliefs about sexual behavior

Description

The Multidimensional Measure of Comfort With Sexuality (MMCS1) is a psychometric instrument developed to assess an individual’s comfort with sexuality. Importantly, the instrument measures comfort rather than whether sexuality is viewed positively or accepted as desirable. It was developed for use primarily in college-level sexuality education and research settings.

Analysis

The full MMCS1 consists of 32 items and assesses four dimensions:

Comfort Discussing Sexuality (TS): comfort when discussing personal and non-personal sexual topics.

Comfort With One’s Own Sexual Life (AP): comfort with one’s personal sexual activities and experiences.

Comfort With the Sexual Activities of Others (AO): comfort interacting with individuals whose sexual activities may differ from one’s own.

Comfort With Taboo Sexual Activities of Others (AT): comfort in relation to behaviors considered socially taboo.

A 9-item short form (MMCS1-S) is also available and shows a strong correlation with the total score of the full version (r = .93).

Objective

The main objective of the MMCS1 is to provide a multidimensional assessment of how comfortable individuals feel when discussing sexuality, reflecting on their own sexual lives, and interacting with others whose sexual behaviors or experiences may differ from their own.

Scoring

Responses are provided on a 6-point scale, ranging from Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree. Subscale scores are calculated as the arithmetic mean of the corresponding items after reverse-scored items have been adjusted. Higher scores indicate greater comfort with sexuality.
A total comfort score can be calculated from the TS, AP, and AO subscales, whereas the AT subscale is interpreted separately.

Reliability and Validity

The TS, AP, and AO subscales demonstrate high internal consistency, while the AT subscale shows lower but acceptable reliability. The instrument’s validity was examined through expert review and extensive factor analyses, supporting its multidimensional structure and construct validity.

Reference

Tromovitch P. The Multidimensional Measure of Comfort With Sexuality (MMCS1): The Development of a Multidimensional Objective Measure of Comfort With Sexuality for Use in Sexuality Education and Research. Doctoral dissertation, University of Pennsylvania; 2000.