Sexual Function Scale [SFS]

Description

The Sexual Function Scale (SFS), developed by Marita P. McCabe, is a comprehensive assessment instrument designed to evaluate the contribution of experiences and attitudes from the family of origin, adolescence, and current individual and relationship factors to a person’s sexual functioning. It can be administered to both sexually functional and sexually dysfunctional individuals and may also be used clinically to identify areas that should be addressed in therapy.

Structure

The SFS is organized into three major sections:

• Childhood
• Puberty and Adolescence
• Current Attitudes and Behavior

Each major section includes additional subsections addressing specific experiences, attitudes, and behaviors related to sexual functioning. The instrument was originally developed to examine factors associated with sexual dysfunction in both men and women.

The original items were derived from research on the aetiology of sexual dysfunction and were initially used in a guided interview format. Following administration to both sexually functional and sexually dysfunctional participants, the scale was refined and reorganized to produce the current version.

Response Format and Administration

The SFS is completed as a questionnaire and uses different response formats depending on the item. These include:

• categorical responses,
• yes/no responses,
• and 5-point Likert-type scales.

According to the source material, completion of the full questionnaire requires approximately one hour.

Scoring

Items are generally scored in the same direction, allowing a total score to be calculated for each subsection. However, categorical items do not contribute to subsection totals. Since the number of items differs across subsections, the maximum possible score also varies between sections.

Reliability and Validity

Internal consistency coefficients have been calculated for several SFS subscales. The reported psychometric analyses were based on a sample of 171 participants, including sexually functional individuals, sexually dysfunctional individuals not seeking treatment, and clinical participants with sexual dysfunction.

Test–retest reliability was also examined in sexually functional and sexually dysfunctional participants who completed the instrument twice, with a six-week interval between administrations. The development process provides evidence of construct validity, although the source notes that further evaluation alongside other psychometrically established measures is desirable.

Applications

The SFS can be used in both clinical and research settings. It is particularly relevant for investigating psychological, developmental, interpersonal, and relationship-related factors associated with sexual functioning and dysfunction. In clinical practice, it may assist professionals in identifying areas that require further therapeutic assessment or intervention.

References

McCabe, M. P. (1994a). Childhood, adolescent and current psychological factors associated with sexual dysfunction. Sexual and Marital Therapy, 9, 267–276.

McCabe, M. P. (1994b). The influence of the quality of relationship on sexual dysfunction. Australian Journal of Marriage and the Family, 15, 2–8.

Shortened General Attitude and Belief Scale [SGABS]

Description

The Shortened General Attitude and Belief Scale (SGABS) is a concise psychometric instrument designed to assess an individual’s general attitudes and beliefs. It represents a shortened version of a broader measure examining personal beliefs and attitudes across several areas of life, including social interaction, work performance, and personal development.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the SGABS is to provide a practical and efficient method for evaluating general attitudes and beliefs that may influence an individual’s behavior and decision-making.

Structure and Scoring

The scale consists of a limited number of statements rated on a Likert-type scale, for example from 1 = Strongly Disagree to 5 = Strongly Agree. The items address several areas, including self-improvement, social relationships and communication, professional attitudes, and coping with challenges.

Interpretation of the results should follow the scoring instructions and structure of the specific version used in the research protocol.

Applications

The SGABS can be used in psychological, educational, occupational, and social research to explore how general attitudes and beliefs relate to behavior, decision-making, interpersonal functioning, and responses to everyday challenges. Its concise format makes it particularly suitable for inclusion in larger research questionnaires and multidimensional assessment protocols.

References

Ajzen, I. (1991). The theory of planned behavior. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 50(2), 179–211.

Rosenberg, M. (1965). Society and the adolescent self-image. Princeton University Press.

Bandura, A. (1977). Self-efficacy: Toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychological Review, 84(2), 191–215.

Fishbein, M., & Ajzen, I. (1975). Belief, attitude, intention, and behavior: An introduction to theory and research. Addison-Wesley.

Eagly, A. H., & Chaiken, S. (1993). The psychology of attitudes. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.