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The Multidimensional Scale of Sexuality.
B R Berkey1, T Perelman-Hall, L A Kurdek
1Department of Psychology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435.
Journal of Homosexuality
|January 1, 1990
Summary
The Multidimensional Scale of Sexuality (MSS) offers a more nuanced assessment of sexual orientation than previous measures. It found cognitive/affective sexuality often exceeds behavioral sexuality, except in heterosexual individuals.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Human Sexuality Research
Background:
- Assessment of sexual orientation is limited and often conflicting.
- A lack of agreed-upon definitions for bisexuality contributes to confusion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate and contrast six proposed categories of bisexuality.
- To develop an instrument assessing behavioral and cognitive/affective components of sexuality.
- To compare the Multidimensional Scale of Sexuality (MSS) with the Kinsey Scale.
Main Methods:
- The Multidimensional Scale of Sexuality (MSS) was developed.
- 148 subjects, primarily from homosexual and bisexual populations, completed the MSS.
- Self-descriptions on the MSS were compared with the Kinsey Heterosexual-Homosexual Scale.
Main Results:
- The MSS provided a more varied description of sexual orientation compared to the Kinsey Scale.
- Subject self-descriptions on the MSS aligned more with cognitive/affective ratings than behavioral ratings.
- Cognitive/affective sexuality frequency was higher than behavioral sexuality frequency for most participants, excluding heterosexuals.
Conclusions:
- The MSS is a valuable tool for a more comprehensive understanding of sexual orientation.
- Cognitive and affective aspects of sexuality may be more indicative of orientation than behavior alone.
- Further research is needed to refine the understanding of diverse sexual orientations.