Inventory of Dyadic Heterosexual Preferences (IDHP-IDHP-O)

Scale Description

The Inventory of Dyadic Heterosexual Preferences (IDHP-27) is a psychometric instrument designed to assess sexual preferences, attitudes, and perceptions within dyadic heterosexual relationships.

Developed by Purnine, Carey, and Jorgensen (1996), the instrument evaluates individual preferences regarding sexual behaviors and examines the degree of similarity, understanding, and communication between partners.

The IDHP-O (Other) version assesses an individual’s perception of their partner’s preferences, allowing researchers to compare personal preferences with perceived partner preferences.

Objective of the Scale

The IDHP-IDHP-O evaluates:

  • sexual behavior preferences,
  • attitudes toward sexuality,
  • comfort and acceptance regarding sexual topics,
  • perceived partner preferences,
  • agreement and communication between partners.

Structure and Dimensions

The questionnaire consists of 27 items and assesses several dimensions related to sexual preferences, including:

  • Erotophilia: positive attitudes and comfort toward sexual expression.
  • Contraception Use: attitudes toward sexual health and protection.
  • Conventionality: preference for traditional versus non-traditional sexual practices.
  • Erotica Use: attitudes toward erotic materials or sexual aids.
  • Drug/Alcohol Use: perceptions regarding substance use in sexual contexts.
  • Romantic Foreplay: importance of emotional closeness and affectionate interaction before sexual activity.

Scoring

Responses are typically recorded using a Likert-type scale, with higher scores indicating stronger preference or acceptance of the evaluated dimensions.

Comparison between IDHP (personal preferences) and IDHP-O (perceived partner preferences) provides information about:

  • partner agreement,
  • interpersonal understanding,
  • sexual communication,
  • relationship compatibility.

Data Analysis

Statistical analysis of IDHP-IDHP-O data may include:

  • descriptive statistics,
  • reliability analysis (Cronbach’s alpha),
  • factor analysis,
  • correlations between partners’ preferences,
  • group comparisons.

Associations may also be examined with variables such as:

  • relationship satisfaction,
  • sexual satisfaction,
  • communication quality,
  • emotional intimacy,
  • personality characteristics.

Applications

The IDHP-IDHP-O is used in:

  • sexual behavior research,
  • couples and relationship studies,
  • marital and relationship psychology,
  • sexual therapy research,
  • investigations of communication and relationship satisfaction.

Conclusion

The Inventory of Dyadic Heterosexual Preferences (IDHP-IDHP-O) is a specialized assessment tool for understanding sexual preferences and partner agreement within heterosexual relationships. It provides valuable information regarding relationship dynamics, sexual communication, and factors influencing intimacy and relationship satisfaction.

References

Purnine, D. M., Carey, M. P., & Jorgensen, R. S. (1996). The Inventory of Dyadic Heterosexual Preferences: Development and Psychometric Evaluation. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 34(4), 375–387.

Purnine, D. M., & Carey, M. P. (1997). Interpersonal Communication and Sexual Adjustment: The Roles of Understanding and Agreement. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology.