Description

The Worry About Sexual Outcomes Scale (WASOS) is a psychometric instrument designed to assess worries, fears, and negative expectations related to sexual experiences and their possible consequences. It focuses on concerns related to sexual functioning as well as perceived consequences for relationships, health, and personal well-being.

The scale can contribute to a better understanding of how cognitive and emotional concerns may influence sexual experiences and broader psychological functioning.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the WASOS is to assess the degree and content of worry concerning possible sexual outcomes. In particular, it examines concerns related to:

Sexual performance, including worries about arousal, orgasm, satisfaction, and the partner’s response.

Interpersonal relationships, such as concerns that sexual experiences may negatively affect relationship stability, intimacy, or quality.

Sexual health, including worries related to sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancy, and other possible consequences associated with sexual activity.

Structure and Assessment

The WASOS includes statements covering different aspects of worry related to sexual activity and its potential outcomes. Responses are typically recorded using a five-point Likert scale, reflecting the frequency or intensity of the relevant thoughts and feelings.

Its structure allows the assessment of both an overall level of sexual-outcome worry and more specific areas of concern.

Scoring and Interpretation

Scoring may include an overall worry score and, depending on the form of the scale, separate scores related to sexual performance, relationships, and health.

Higher scores indicate greater frequency or intensity of worry. Interpretation of the results may help identify the areas in which an individual experiences greater psychological concern related to sexual outcomes.

Data Analysis and Use

WASOS data may be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including correlation analysis, group comparisons, and regression models.

The instrument may be used in research and clinical settings to investigate relationships between sexual worry, sexual functioning, relationship quality, and psychological well-being. It may also support the assessment of changes before and after psychological, counseling, or other relevant interventions.

References

Dewitte, M., & Schepers, J. (2009). Understanding sexual concerns and worries: A study of predictors and outcomes. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 6(4), 1035–1049.

Mitchell, K. R., Mercer, C. H., Ploubidis, G. B., Jones, K. G., & Johnson, A. M. (2013). Sexual function in Britain: Findings from the third National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal-3). The Lancet, 382(9907), 1817–1829.

García, F. D., Delavenne, H., Bertrand, M., & Pham-Scottez, A. (2012). Sexual addictions and paraphilias: Assessment and treatment. Current Psychiatry Reports, 14(3), 194–202.