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Sexual Desire Inventory: Two or Three Dimensions?

Nieves Moyano¹, Pablo Vallejo-Medina², Juan Carlos Sierra³

¹a Mind, Brain, and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC) , University of Granada; Facultad de Artes Liberales, Escuela de Psicología, Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo (UEES).

Journal of Sex Research

|January 13, 2016

Summary

The Sexual Desire Inventory (SDI) was re-evaluated, revealing three dimensions of sexual desire instead of two. This updated structure provides a more robust understanding of sexual desire in men and women.

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Area of Science:

Psychology
Human Sexuality
Psychometrics

Background:

The Sexual Desire Inventory (SDI) is a widely used measure of sexual desire.
Existing research has primarily focused on the two-dimensional structure of the SDI: dyadic and solitary sexual desire.
The factorial structure of the SDI has been largely underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the factorial structure of the Sexual Desire Inventory (SDI).
To determine if the existing two-factor model adequately represents sexual desire or if an alternative structure exists.
To develop updated psychometric properties and normative data for the SDI.

Main Methods:

Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were employed.
Two large samples of Spanish men and women in stable heterosexual relationships were recruited (N=3,417 and N=677).
Participants' ages ranged from 18 to 84 years.

Main Results:

EFA indicated a three-factor structure for the SDI: partner-focused dyadic sexual desire, general dyadic sexual desire for an attractive person, and solitary sexual desire.
CFA confirmed the robustness of this new three-factor model.
Men reported higher scores on dyadic sexual desire for an attractive person compared to women; no other significant gender differences were found.
The revised SDI demonstrated good validity and reliability.

Conclusions:

The Sexual Desire Inventory (SDI) is better represented by a three-factor structure than the previously accepted two-factor model.
This revised structure offers a more nuanced understanding of sexual desire across different contexts.
The study provides updated psychometric evidence and normative data for the SDI across various age groups and genders.