Sexual Functioning in Spanish and Portuguese Young Adults: Initial Validation of the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The authors conducted an initial validation of the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) and examined the sexual function of Spanish and Portuguese young adults. Methods: Participants were 523 Spanish and 595 Portuguese heterosexual young adults who completed a background questionnaire, the ASEX, and measures of sexual sensation seeking, excitation, and inhibition. Results: The ASEX showed good reliability and validity. Participants reported good sexual function. The most prevalent difficulties in men were related to desire and orgasm, and to orgasm and satisfaction in women. Conclusions: This is a psychometrically sound instrument to assess sexual functioning in Spanish and Portuguese young adults.

KEYWORDS:

• Sexual functioning
• sexual difficulties
• young adults
• validation
• Arizona Sexual Experience Scale

Acknowledgments

Part of this research was funded by the “Antonio Gargallo-Ibercaja” Foundation (Spain) and granted to Dr. Ángel Castro, and by the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (Portugal). Authors would like to thank Ciaran Rowe for his helpful comments on the translation of the scale.