Development and Bicultural Validation of the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale

Abstract

The development and bicultural validation of the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale (NSSS)—a 20 item, multidimensional, composite measure of sexual satisfaction—is presented. The development of the scale was based on a five-dimension, conceptual model that emphasized the importance of multiple domains of sexual behavior including sexual sensations, sexual awareness and focus, sexual exchange, emotional closeness, and sexual activity. Scale construction and validation were carried out using seven independent samples with over 2,000 participants aged 18 to 55 in Croatia and the United States. Primary data collection was completed using online survey tools. Analyses did not confirm the proposed conceptual framework but suggested a two-dimensional structure focusing on self (“ego-centered”) and the other (a “partner- and sexual activity-centered” factor) domains, each containing items representing all five conceptual dimensions. Scale reliability (k = 20) was satisfactory for all samples, and construct validity was confirmed in both cultures. The NSSS was also found to have acceptable one-month stability. It is suggested that the NSSS may be a useful tool for assessing sexual satisfaction regardless of a person's gender, sexual orientation, and relationship status.

We express our gratitude to Ivan Landripet, Ksenija Bosnar, Zrinka Greblo, Vatroslav Jelovica, Jan Ružić, Vesna Pliško, Iva Odak, Krešimir Kufrin, Koraljka Marinković, Nataša Bijelić, Valerio Baćak, Cynthia Graham, Holly Ryon, Ashley Billig, and members of the Croatian Association for Sex Therapy for their comments, suggestions, and assistance in data collection.

Notes

^a Values <.40 were suppressed. A = ego–centered factor; B = partner- and activity–centered factor; r =correlation between the components.

k = number of items.

k = number of items.

^a M ₁ = First measurement mean value.

^b M ₂ = Second measurement mean value.

*p < .001.

k = number of items.

*p < .05. **p < .01. ***p < .001.

*p < .001.

*Items unrelated to five conceptual dimensions but presumed important from the individual lens perspective.

^a Responses range from 1 (not at all satisfied), 2 (a little satisfied), 3 (moderately satisfied), 4 (very satisfied), to 5 (extremely satisfied).