Adaptation and validation of the sexual self-consciousness scale in Ecuadorian women

ABSTRACT

The Sexual Self-Consciousness Scale (SSCS), developed by van Lankveld, Geijen, and Sykora in 2008, measures self-consciousness in sexual situations distinguishing dimensions of Sexual Embarrassment and Sexual Self-Focus. To date, there is no Spanish translation or validation of this scale for use with Spanish speakers. Therefore, the goal of this study was to adapt and validate the SSCS in a sample of 288 Ecuadorian women (18–55 years old). A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the data showed a good model fit when a three-factor structure was considered: (i) Sexual Embarrassment (items 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5); (ii) Sexual Partner-Focus (items 6, 7, 9, and 12); (iii) Sexual Self-Focus (items 8, 10, and 11). This version includes a distinction between sexual self-focus and sexual partner-focus (worries about the impression made on the partner). Reliability was good, and validity supported this distinction. Greater body-image dissatisfaction was positively associated with all SSCS factors, and each factor was differently associated with sexual desire (dyadic, general, and solitary) and with each phase of sexual functioning (desire, excitation, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction). Overall, Sexual Embarrassment had the greatest impact on sexual functioning impairment. Implications for clinical interventions are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Sexual Self-Consciousness Scale
• factor structure
• validity
• reliability

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Nieves Moyano

Nieves Moyano is currently Professor in the Department of Psychology and Sociology at the Unversity of Zaragoza. She is member of the Laboratory of Human Sexuality at the University of Granada, where she reached her Ph.D. in 2014. During her stay in Ecuador, she conducted some research to provide valid measures of sexuality.

Nicole Dib-Fayad

Nicole Dib-Fayad graduated of Clinical Psychology from the University of Especialidades Espiritu Santo in 2016. Her main interests are related to Clinical Psychology, teaching and sexual research. She is currently working as Clinical Psychologist in the area of mental health of a Hospital in Ecuador.

Melissa Vélez-Schemankewitz

Melissa Velez-Schemankewitz graduated of Psychology form the University of Especialidades Espiritu Santo in 2016. She is currently working in the area of Education with children, as she loves teaching. Her areas of interest are related to grief counselling and courples therapy. She is planning to start her Master degree in Psychology soon.