Description

The Tactics to Obtain Sex Scale (TOSS) is a psychometric tool designed to assess the various strategies and tactics individuals use to achieve sexual relations. The questionnaire examines behaviors and attitudes toward the use of these tactics, as well as perceptions of consent and sexual pressure. Below is a detailed description of the objectives, analysis, and scoring of the scale, along with relevant literature.

Objective

The main objectives of the Tactics to Obtain Sex Scale are:
Assessment of strategies: To record the tactics used to achieve sexual relations, from the most direct to the most indirect.
Understanding motivations: To examine the motives behind the use of these tactics and how they affect interpersonal relationships.
Consent and moral values: To analyze perceptions of consent and the moral values underlying the use of these tactics.

Analysis

The TOSS includes several sections that cover different tactics for achieving sexual relations:
Direct tactics: Involving straightforward proposals for sexual activity.
Indirect tactics: Using charm, flirting, or emotional pressure to reach the goal.
Manipulative tactics: Employing deceptive methods, such as lying or cheating, to achieve sexual activity.
Pressure and coercion: Evaluating the use of pressure or coercion as a means of achieving sexual goals.
Participants respond to questions using a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from “never” to “very often,” to describe the frequency and intensity of their use of each tactic.

Scoring

Scoring of the TOSS includes:
Total score: A general estimate of the use of tactics to achieve sexual relations.
Subscales: Scores for different categories of tactics, such as direct, indirect, and coercive tactics.
These scores help in understanding individuals’ behaviors and can be used for the development of educational programs on consent and the prevention of sexual violence.

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.