The Sex Positivity Scale: a new way to measure sex positivity as a trait

Abstract

Sex Positivity as a construct has garnered much attention in recent years - in the media, with global policy, and in research endeavors. This research aims to provide a measure that can evaluate levels of sex positivity for use in research and clinical work. An examination of the literature discovered several commonalities related to the traits of sex positivity, which informed the initial item pool. 521 participants provided data for the initial analysis, which utilized Classical Test Theory to provide evidence of validity and reliability for a stable scale. The final structure of The Sex Positivity Scale was shown to be a valid and reliable measure with three subscales (Behaviors and Attitudes, Talking about Sex/Communication, Knowledge and Beliefs) and one aggregate total score. The measure itself is comprised of 27 items on a Likert scale, and can be utilized in a variety of contexts.

Keywords:

• Sex positivity
• sexual health
• scale construction
• psychometrics
• classical test theory

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.