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Sexual compulsivity among heterosexual college students
Brian Dodge1, Michael Reece, Sara L Cole
1Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Columbia University/New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 15, New York, NY 10032, USA. bd2108@columbia.edu
Journal of Sex Research
|March 15, 2005
Summary
This study validates the Sexual Compulsivity Scale (SCS) in heterosexual college students, finding it reliable for assessing sexual compulsivity and its link to risky sexual behaviors in this population.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Sexual Health
Background:
- Existing research links sexual compulsivity to high-risk sexual behaviors for HIV/STD infection.
- The Sexual Compulsivity Scale (SCS) is commonly used but not previously validated in general college student populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the reliability and construct validity of the SCS in a sample of heterosexual college students.
- To examine the relationship between sexual compulsivity and sexual behaviors in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Administered the SCS to 876 heterosexual college students.
- Analyzed the scale's reliability and construct validity.
- Examined correlations between SCS scores and sexual behaviors, demographics (age, gender).
Main Results:
- The SCS demonstrated reliability and construct validity in the studied sample.
- Sexual compulsivity was significantly associated with frequency of sexual behaviors and number of sexual partners.
- Higher sexual compulsivity scores correlated with increased frequency of risky sexual behaviors, even after controlling for demographics.
Conclusions:
- The SCS is a reliable and valid measure for assessing sexual compulsivity in heterosexual college students.
- Sexual compulsivity is associated with engagement in risky sexual behaviors within this population.
- Further research is needed to differentiate sexual compulsivity from related constructs like sexual desire.