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Development and validation of the attitudes about sadomasochism scale
1Department of Psychology, Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA 17013, USA. yostm@dickinson.edu
Journal of Sex Research
|June 6, 2009
Summary
This study developed the Attitudes about Sadomasochism Scale (ASMS) to measure prejudicial attitudes towards sadomasochism (SM). The ASMS is a reliable and valid tool, distinct from general social conservatism.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Sexuality Studies
Background:
- Sadomasochism (SM) is a sexual practice often met with societal stigma.
- Existing measures may not adequately capture nuanced attitudes towards SM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a new scale, the Attitudes about Sadomasochism Scale (ASMS).
- To assess the psychometric properties and construct validity of the ASMS.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on data from 441 participants.
- Validation involved correlating ASMS scores with measures of social and sexual conservatism.
- Regression analyses examined the unique variance explained by the ASMS.
Main Results:
- Factor analyses supported a four-factor structure for the ASMS.
- The ASMS showed positive correlations with social and sexual conservatism but explained unique variance.
- Prior knowledge of and engagement in SM were associated with more positive ASMS scores.
Conclusions:
- The ASMS is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring attitudes toward sadomasochism.
- The scale captures a unique attitudinal construct beyond general conservatism.
- Findings highlight the influence of personal experience and knowledge on SM attitudes.
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