Examining the Psychometric Properties of the Sexual Excitation/Sexual Inhibition Inventory for Women (SESII-W) in a Sample of Lesbian and Bisexual Women

The Sexual Excitation/Sexual Inhibition Inventory for Women (SESII-W) assesses propensities for sexual excitation (SE) and inhibition (SI). Previous research utilizing the SESII-W included samples comprised exclusively or almost entirely of heterosexual women. 

The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the SESII-W and assess its relation to aspects of sexual function within a sample of lesbian and bisexual women. The sample included 974 self-identified bisexual (n = 733) or lesbian/homosexual (n = 241) women who completed an online survey including items assessing women's sexual behaviors, feelings, and functioning, sociodemographics, and the SESII-W. The sample was split; exploratory factor analyses were conducted on the first half, yielding eight lower-order factors with two higher-order factors. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted on the second half and suggested reasonable model fit. 

SI was positively correlated with sexual problems and negatively correlated with sexual pleasure; the correlations were significant but small. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between SESII-W scores and sexual problems/sexual pleasure, controlling for age, relationship duration, and relationship status. Four lower-order factors predicted reports of sexual problems. 

Findings indicated the SESII-W has similar psychometric properties among sexual minority women as it does among heterosexual women.

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By: Jozkowski KN1,2, Sanders SA2,3,4, Rhoads K1, Milhausen RR2,3,5, Graham CA2,3,6.

• 1Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation , University of Arkansas.
• 2The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction, Indiana University.
• 3Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention , Indiana University.
• 4Department of Gender Studies , Indiana University.
• 5Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition , University of Guelph.
• 6Department of Psychology , University of Southampton.  

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