The DSFI: a multidimensional measure of sexual functioning.

Area of Science:

• Psychometrics
• Human Sexuality Research
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• The need for a multidimensional measure of human sexual functioning.
• Development of the Derogatis Sexual Functioning Inventory (DSFI).

Observation:

• The DSFI assesses multiple domains of sexual functioning.
• Reliability coefficients for DSFI subtests have been determined.

Findings:

• Validation studies include factor analysis, predictive validation, and discriminant function analyses.
• Prototypic clinical profiles for major sexual dysfunctions are presented.

Implications:

• The DSFI provides a robust tool for research and clinical assessment of sexual functioning.
• Clinical profiles aid in the diagnosis and understanding of sexual dysfunction.