The Dual Control Model, proposed by Bancroft and Janssen, explains human sexual response through two processes: Sexual excitation and inhibition. Excitation involves preparation for sexual activity, whereas inhibition acts as a brake due to concerns, fears, or distractions. These processes can be triggered by physical, emotional, or environmental factors. For example, attraction to someone can generate excitation, while concerns about sexual performance can provoke inhibition. Imbalances between these processes of excitation and inhibition could result in sexual problems.
Among the various assessment instruments developed within the framework of the Dual Control Model, the Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales-Short Form (SIS/SES-SF) stands out for its brevity. Its 14 items are grouped into three dimensions:
- Sexual excitation
- Sexual inhibition due to the threat of performance failure
- Sexual inhibition due to the threat of negative performance consequences, such as sexually transmitted infections or unwanted pregnancies.
SIS/SES-SF scales: Key to assessing sexual respons
Taking into account the utility of this instrument in sexological research and clinical practice, Juan Carlos Sierra, Óscar Cervilla, Ana Álvarez-Muelas, and María del Mar Sánchez-Fuentes, researchers of Mind, Brain, and Behavior Research Center, University of Granada have published a study on the validation of the SIS/SES-SF in Spain. As a results of this research, a scientific article has been published in the journal Psicothema that provides validity and reliability evidence, explores the relationship of the three factors (Sexual excitation, Sexual inhibition due to the threat of performance failure, and Sexual inhibition due to the threat of negative performance consequences) with the dimensions for sexual functioning (sexual desire, arousal, erection/lubrication, orgasm ability, and satisfaction with orgasm). In addition, it provides norms of SIS/SES-SF for interpreting its scores considering gender (being man/women) and age (8-34, 35-49 and 50 years and older).
The study involved the participation of 2,223 Spanish adults, 1,258 women and 965 men, distributed among the three age groups. They answered online through the Limesurvey® platform a Sociodemographic and Sexual History Questionnaire and the Spanish versions of the Sexual Inhibition/Excitation Scales-Short Form (SIS/SES-SF) and the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX), the latter to assess the dimensions of sexual function. It was disseminated through virtual platforms such as Facebook®, Twitter®, WhatsApp® and distribution emails.
The results indicate that the SIS/SES-SF constitutes a valid instrument for comparing people of different age groups but not for making comparisons between men and women. The measures provided are reliable, although it should be noted that extreme scores could present more errors. Individuals with a higher propensity for sexual excitation report fewer difficulties in desire, arousal, lubrication/erection, and orgasm, while sexual inhibition is associated with poorer sexual functioning. Study participants, both men and women, without difficulties in sexual functioning show a greater propensity for sexual excitation and less sexual inhibition than those with some type of difficulty in their sexual response.
In conclusion, the Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales-Short Form constitute a useful instrument for assessing the propensity for sexual excitation and inhibition. Its dimensions are related to sexual functioning and are capable of differentiating between individuals with and without sexual functioning difficulties. Therefore, it is a highly recommended tool for use in the field of sexological clinical practice and research.
Reference
Sierra, J. C., Cervilla, O., Álvarez-Muelas, A. y Sánchez-Fuentes, M. M. (2024). Validity and reliability evidence and norms for the Spanish version of the Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales-Short Form. Psicothema, 36, 154-164. https://doi.org/10.7334/psicothema2023.189
Contact
- Juan Carlos Sierra