Development and validation of the MIDSA-SC scale

Abstract

ABSTRACT In recent years, a lot of interest has been devoted to the study of sexual coercion. Although the definition varies across studies, sexual coercion is generally defined as the employment of tactics to obtain sexual activity against freely given consent. Several measures of sexual coercion exist, however those measures present some methodological limitations. The purpose of this study was to create and validate a scale of sexual coercion using items from the Multidimensional Inventory of Development, Sex, and Aggression and assess its validity. The sample included 529 adult males who were incarcerated for a sexual offence. Results revealed that a 5-item version of the sexual coercion scale had the best psychometric properties, with good internal consistency, convergent and concurrent validity. Furthermore, the item response theory analysis shows that most items were considered difficult and that all items discriminate between individuals at different levels along the continuum. PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT The construction and validation of a sexual coercion scale would also allow for more appropriate programmes and interventions. A better understanding of the continuum (i.e. to understand the continuum as a continuum of tactics) would help educate individuals about inappropriate sexual behaviours and the concept of consent. To do so, professionals require appropriate instruments to accurately measure this complex problem.