Measuring disorders of sexual frequency and control: The garos sexual behavior index

Abstract

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (American Psychiatric Association, 1994) provides diagnostic criteria for sexual disorders and dysfunctions. However, debates continue regarding the conceptualization and classification of excessive sexual behavior. The Garos Sexual Behavior Index was developed to measure constructs associated with disorders of sexual frequency and control. Factor analyses resulted in four clearly defined factors: Discordance, Sexual Obsession, Permissiveness, and Sexual Stimulation. Methods and results of item selection, factor analysis, reliability analyses, and establishment of factorial validity are presented and discussed. Though additional studies are needed to evaluate the full utility and validity of the measure, its viability for use in future research has clearly been established.