Adaptation and validation of the sexual self-consciousness scale in Ecuadorian women

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe Sexual Self-Consciousness Scale (SSCS), developed by van Lankveld, Geijen, and Sykora in 2008, measures self-consciousness in sexual situations distinguishing dimensions of Sexual Embarrassment and Sexual Self-Focus. To date, there is no Spanish translation or validation of this scale for use with Spanish speakers. Therefore, the goal of this study was to adapt and validate the SSCS in a sample of 288 Ecuadorian women (18–55 years old). A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the data showed a good model fit when a three-factor structure was considered: (i) Sexual Embarrassment (items 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5); (ii) Sexual Partner-Focus (items 6, 7, 9, and 12); (iii) Sexual Self-Focus (items 8, 10, and 11). This version includes a distinction between sexual self-focus and sexual partner-focus (worries about the impression made on the partner). Reliability was good, and validity supported this distinction. Greater body-image dissatisfaction was positively associated with all SSCS factors, and each factor was differently associated with sexual desire (dyadic, general, and solitary) and with each phase of sexual functioning (desire, excitation, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction). Overall, Sexual Embarrassment had the greatest impact on sexual functioning impairment. Implications for clinical interventions are discussed.