Psychometric Validation of the Portuguese Version of the Sexual Self-Consciousness Scale (SSCS)

Abstract

The Sexual Self-Consciousness Scale (SSCS) is an instrument for assessing dispositional propensities for self-consciousness experienced in a sexual context, with wide application in both clinical and research settings. The objective of the current study was to test some psychometric characteristics of the Portuguese version of the SSCS using a convenience sample of 210 men and 210 women. Participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Portuguese version of the SSCS. A subsample of 87 participants was assessed at a second time point after a 2-week period for measuring test-retest reliability of the instrument. Confirmatory factor analysis identified two factors and replicated the structure of the original instrument. Measurement invariance was confirmed for men and women with overall index scores indicating a good fit in all models. Reliability analyses indicated that the factors possessed both satisfactory internal consistency and stability over time. The Portuguese version of the SSCS was shown to be a useful and adequate instrument to assess dispositional propensities for self-consciousness in sexual situations within the Portuguese-speaking population.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Horizon Europe NORTE 2020 [NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000057] and the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology [UIDB/00050/2020 and SFRH/BPD/102348/2014].