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Individual differences in sociosexuality: evidence for convergent and discriminant validity
1Department of Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843.
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|June 1, 1991
Summary
People differ in their willingness for casual sex. A new Sociosexual Orientation Inventory (SOI) measures this, finding unrestricted individuals engage in sex earlier and with more partners.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Human Sexuality
Background:
- Individual differences in sexual behavior are a key area of psychological research.
- Understanding the factors influencing relationship dynamics and sexual choices is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a reliable measure of individual differences in sociosexuality.
- To explore the correlates of unrestricted sociosexual orientation.
Main Methods:
- Development of a 5-item Sociosexual Orientation Inventory (SOI).
- Convergent and discriminant validity testing across six studies.
- Correlational analyses with relationship characteristics and sexual attitudes.
Main Results:
- The SOI reliably measures individual differences in willingness for uncommitted sexual relations.
- Unrestricted sociosexual orientation is associated with earlier sexual engagement, multiple partners, and lower relationship investment.
- The SOI is distinct from sex drive and shows negligible correlation with sexual satisfaction, anxiety, or guilt.
Conclusions:
- The Sociosexual Orientation Inventory (SOI) is a valid and reliable tool for assessing individual differences in sociosexuality.
- Sociosexual orientation is a stable individual difference that influences relationship behaviors and choices.
- Further research should explore the origins and motivational underpinnings of these differences.