Dominant Heterosexual Sexual Scripts in Emerging Adulthood: Conceptualization and Measurement

Abstract

Sexual script research (Simon & Gagnon 1969, 1986) bourgeoned following Simon and Gagnon's groundbreaking work. Empirical measurement of sexual script adherence has been limited, however, as no measures exist that have undergone rigorous development and validation. We conducted three studies to examine current dominant sexual scripts of heterosexual adults and to develop a measure of endorsement of these scripts. In Study 1, we conducted three focus groups of men (n = 19) and four of women (n = 20) to discuss the current scripts governing sexual behavior. Results supported scripts for sex drive, physical and emotional sex, sexual performance, initiation and gatekeeping, and evaluation of sexual others. In Study 2, we used these qualitative findings to develop a measure of script endorsement, the Sexual Script Scale. Factor analysis of data from 721 participants revealed six interrelated factors demonstrating initial construct validity. In Study 3, confirmatory factor analysis of a separate sample of 289 participants supported the model from Study 2, and evidence of factorial invariance and test-retest reliability was obtained. This article presents the results of these studies, documenting the process of scale development from formative research through to confirmatory testing, and suggests future directions for the continued development of sexual scripting theory.

Notes

Note. Items scored on a 6-point scale (1 = Strongly disagree, 6 = Strongly agree). Items with negative factor loadings are reverse-scored. Loadings reported are from the rotated pattern matrix.

Note. IM = Impression Management subscale of the Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding; SD = Self Deception subscale of the Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding; SDSS = Sexual Double Standard Scale; FGRS = Feminine Gender Role Stress Scale; MGRS = Masculine Gender Role Stress Scale.

*p < .05. **p < .01. ***p < .001.

Note. Standardized loadings are reported. Items with negative factor loadings are reverse-scored. All loadings and residual variances were significant at the p < .001 level. Superscripted residual variances represent significantly correlated residual pairs. *Indicates item was deleted from final scale.