Analysis

The Sexual Attitudes Scale (SAS) and the Brief Sexual Attitudes Scale (BSAS) are instruments used to assess attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions related to sexuality. They focus on how individuals view issues such as sexual morality, sexual freedom, sexual activity, and broader social expectations surrounding sexuality.

The SAS represents the more extensive form of assessment, whereas the BSAS is presented as a shorter and more concise version intended to provide a faster assessment of the main components of sexual attitudes.

Both instruments can contribute to understanding how personal values, social beliefs, and cultural influences are associated with attitudes and behaviors related to sexuality.

Aim

The primary aim of the SAS and BSAS is to assess and understand individuals’ attitudes toward sexuality.

The scales can be used to explore how sexual attitudes are related to behavior and social relationships, as well as to identify areas in which additional education or information may be needed.

Their findings may also support the development of educational or supportive interventions designed to promote more informed and positive attitudes toward sexuality.

Main Areas of Assessment

Sexual Morality: examines beliefs about the moral dimensions of sexual activity and what individuals consider acceptable or unacceptable.

Sexual Freedom: evaluates attitudes concerning freedom of sexual expression.

Sexual Behavior and Social Perceptions: explores how personal attitudes may relate to behavior and social interactions.

General Perception of Sexuality: the BSAS places greater emphasis on obtaining a concise overall assessment of key sexual attitudes and beliefs.

Data Analysis and Use

SAS data may be used for a more detailed examination of attitudes concerning sexual morality, sexual freedom, and the social dimensions of sexuality.

The BSAS may be particularly useful when a shorter assessment is required, such as in larger research protocols or settings where administration time is limited.

Depending on the specific version used, results may be analyzed through total or domain-specific scores and may support group comparisons, correlational analyses, or the evaluation of changes following educational interventions.

Scoring

The SAS and BSAS are generally scored using a Likert-type response format, in which participants indicate their level of agreement with statements related to sexuality.

According to the material provided, responses may range from 1 = Strongly Disagree to 5 = Strongly Agree.

Total scores may be calculated by summing or averaging responses across items. Higher scores are generally described as reflecting more positive attitudes toward sexuality, whereas lower scores indicate less positive attitudes.

The exact scoring direction, the presence of reverse-scored items, and the calculation of any subscale scores should follow the instructions of the specific SAS or BSAS version being administered.

Applications

The SAS and BSAS may be used in sexual health research, social psychology, education, and studies of interpersonal relationships.

The SAS may be more appropriate when a detailed assessment of sexual attitudes is required, whereas the BSAS offers a more concise option when assessment time is limited.

Both scales may also be used to compare demographic or social groups, examine relationships between attitudes and behavior, and evaluate educational or awareness programs.

References

Gagnon, J. H., & Simon, W. (1973). Sexual Conduct: The Social Sources of Human Sexuality. Aldine Publishing Company.

Eagly, A. H., & Wood, W. (1999). The origins of sex differences in human behavior: Evolved dispositions versus social roles. American Psychologist, 54(6), 408–423.

Bancroft, J. (2009). The role of sexual attitudes in sexual functioning and dysfunctions. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 38(3), 468–480.

Hurlbert, D. F., & Apt, C. (1994). Sexual attitudes and sexual behavior: The relationship between attitudes and practices. Journal of Sex Research, 31(3), 256–265.