Developing Valid and Feasible Measures of Sexual Consent for Experience Sampling Methodology

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sexuality Research
• Methodology

Background:

• Sexual consent (willingness and communication) shows variability across time and context.
• Existing sexual consent measures are not suitable for experience sampling methodology (ESM) due to length.
• ESM studies require brief assessments to minimize participant burden and capture within-person variability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate experience sampling methodology (ESM) measures of sexual consent.
• To adapt previously validated cross-sectional survey items for ESM use.
• To assess the feasibility and construct validity of new ESM sexual consent measures.

Main Methods:

• Items were selected based on face validity from cognitive interviews (n=10) and content validity from expert ratings (n=6).
• Developed ESM measures were administered in a seven-day pilot study (n=12).
• Construct validity and feasibility of the ESM measures were assessed.

Main Results:

• The pilot study indicated that the developed ESM measures are a valid assessment tool.
• The measures demonstrated feasibility for assessing experience-specific internal consent feelings and external consent communication.
• The findings support the utility of ESM for studying sexual consent dynamics.

Conclusions:

• The study successfully developed and validated ESM measures for sexual consent.
• These new measures are suitable for capturing the within-person variability of sexual consent.
• Recommendations are provided for sex researchers utilizing ESM in their studies.