Description

The Tactics to Obtain Sex Scale (TOSS) is a psychometric instrument designed to assess the different strategies and tactics individuals may use in order to initiate or achieve sexual relationships.

The questionnaire examines behaviours and attitudes related to the use of these tactics, as well as perceptions regarding sexual consent and sexual pressure. The instrument aims to explore interpersonal processes involved in sexual interactions and the ethical perceptions associated with different approaches.

Objective

The main objectives of the TOSS are the assessment of strategies used to achieve sexual relationships, the understanding of motivations underlying these strategies, and the examination of perceptions regarding consent and ethical values related to their use.

The scale allows researchers to investigate how different approaches to sexual initiation may influence interpersonal relationships and perceptions of acceptable behaviour.

Structure and Content

The TOSS evaluates different categories of tactics used in the pursuit of sexual relationships.

The main dimensions include:

Direct tactics, which involve explicit proposals or direct approaches for sexual activity.

Indirect tactics, which include the use of charm, flirting, or emotional influence to achieve the desired outcome.

Manipulative tactics, which involve deceptive methods such as lying or misleading behaviours in order to achieve sexual activity.

Pressure and coercion tactics, which assess the use of pressure or coercive approaches for achieving sexual goals.

Scoring Method

Participants respond to the items using a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from:

Never

to

Very frequently, indicating the frequency and intensity with which each tactic is used.

The scoring includes:

Total score, providing an overall estimation of the use of tactics for obtaining sexual relationships.

Subscale scores, which assess specific categories of tactics, such as direct, indirect, and coercive strategies.

Data Analysis and Use

The data obtained from the TOSS can be used to examine patterns of sexual behaviour, attitudes toward consent, and factors associated with interpersonal and sexual decision-making.

The instrument may support research exploring relationships between sexual strategies, personality characteristics, gender-related variables, social attitudes, and ethical perceptions.

The results may also contribute to the development of educational programmes focusing on consent, healthy relationships, and prevention of sexual violence.

Applications

The TOSS can be applied in social psychology, relationship research, sexual behaviour studies, and prevention programmes related to sexual aggression and consent education.

It provides researchers with a structured method for examining different approaches to sexual relationship initiation and their potential interpersonal implications.

References

Buss, D. M. (1988). The Evolution of Human Intrasexual Competition: Tactics of Mate Attraction. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 54(4), 616–628.

Kanin, E. J. (1985). Date Rape: Unofficial Criminals and Victims. Victimology: An International Journal, 10(1–4), 95–108.

Muehlenhard, C. L., & Linton, M. A. (1987). Date Rape and Sexual Aggression in Dating Situations: Incidence and Risk Factors. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 34(2), 186–196.