Investigating psychometric measures of sexual wellbeing: a systematic review

Abstract

Sexual wellbeing is an integral part of human existence, characterised by physical, emotional, mental, and sociocultural factors. This study aimed to synthesise and evaluate psychometric measures of sexual wellbeing. Following systematic review methodology, searches were conducted in August 2020 and articles were screened by two independent reviewers. Studies regarding adult sexual wellbeing (≥18 years old), that also met eligibility criteria, were identified and relevant psychometric measures were extracted. A total of 74 unique measures were extracted from 88 papers, representing varying aspects of sexual wellbeing. Sexual wellbeing instruments were categorised by domains (e.g., cognitive-affective) and dimensions (e.g., sexual function, sexual desire), and reliability was summarised. The overall psychometric properties demonstrate that current measures are acceptable, although no single measure captured all domains of sexual wellbeing reflected in the literature. Rather, many instruments measured a single dimension of the multifaceted construct with variation amongst what constituted “sexual wellbeing”. A unified approach to sexual wellbeing is needed to ensure clear operational definitions and theoretical frameworks are used to support psychometric evaluation. Clinicians and researchers are urged to critically evaluate which instrument best captures the desired aspects of sexual wellbeing or whether a combination of measures would be more appropriate.

Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/14681994.2022.2033967 .

Keywords:

• sexual wellbeing
• sexual health
• psychometric
• instrument
• measure

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Madison Sundgren

Madison Sundgren is a registered psychologist who completed a Master of Psychology (Clinical) at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Madison’s research interests are in clinical psychology, romantic relationships, and human sexuality.

Isabella Damiris

Isabella Damiris is a registered psychologist who completed a Master of Psychology (Clinical) at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Isabella’s research interests are in clinical psychology and human sexuality.

Helen Stallman

Helen M Stallman, PhD, is an Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology in the School of Health and Behavioural Sciences at the University of the Sunshine Coast. She is an experienced Clinical Psychologist with expertise in suicide prevention, health and wellbeing, and parenting research.

Lee Kannis-Dymand

Lee Kannis-Dymand, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology and researcher at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia. He conducts research in user experience (video gaming and human-computer interactions; human-wildlife interactions; tourism, conservation, and environmental psychology; cognitive and metacognitive processes; and anxiety conditions.

Prudence Millear

Prudence Millear, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Health and Behavioural Sciences at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Her research interests are in lifespan and developmental psychology, statistics, and occupational health psychology.

Jonathan Mason

Jonathan Mason is a Professor of Clinical Psychology at the Cairnmillar Institute in Melbourne, Victoria. He is a registered Clinical Psychologist and conducts academic research in the areas of clinical psychology, offending, and disability.

Andrew Wood

Andrew Wood is a Lecturer in Clinical Psychology in the School of Health and Behavioural Sciences at the University of the Sunshine Coast. He is a registered Clinical Psychologist and conducts academic research in the areas of clinical psychology, impulsivity, addictive behaviours, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and emotion regulation in carer and child outcomes.

Andrew Allen

Andrew Allen, PhD Candidate, is an Associate Lecturer in Clinical Psychology in the School of Health and Behavioural Sciences at the University of the Sunshine Coast. He is a registered Clinical Psychologist and conducts academic research in the areas of clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, and human sexuality.