Abstract
ABSTRACT Progress toward establishing the effectiveness of biopsychosocial treatment for patients with sexual problems is limited by the lack of brief measurement tools assessing change across various domains of the treatment model. We developed and psychometrically validated a new clinical evaluation tool, the Sexual Function Evaluation Questionnaire (SFEQ) to meet this gap. The SFEQ combines into a single scale the best performing items from two instruments that were piloted in a UK sexual problems clinic (n = 486): the Natsal-SF Clinical Version and the National Sexual Outcomes Group 1 measure. Internal construct validity evidence from exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a 16-item measure consisting of one overarching dimension of overall sexual function distributed along four subscales: problem distress, partner relationship, sex life, and sexual confidence. The measure had satisfactory configural, metric, and scalar invariance over time and across groups based on gender, ethnicity, and age. Correlations with patient depression and anxiety demonstrated external validity. Change in scores over the course of therapy varied as predicted, with greater improvement in younger patients and in areas more amenable to change via therapy (sexual confidence and problem distress). The SFEQ is a brief clinical tool with the potential to assess sexual function and evaluate the effectiveness of biopsychosocial treatment programs.
Highlights
Despite their promise, clear biopsychosocial treatment models and algorithms are still in development, and there are practical challenges in ensuring interdisciplinary training and collaboration across clinical providers (Berry & Berry, 2013; Brotto et al, 2017; Pyke & Clayton, 2015)
Both assume vaginal penetration and have limited questions on the relationship or on patient assessment of “bother.” Another measure widely used in clinical settings – The Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire - Short Form (CSFQ-14) (Keller et al, 2006) – is brief and less focused on physiological response but does not assess the sexual relationship and does not include items on sexual confidence that is often a target of sex therapy (Leiblum, 2006)
In order to assess the possibilities for a new clinical evalua tion tool capturing change in different domains of the biopsy chosocial model, we carried out a psychometric evaluation of two instruments that were piloted in a sexual problems clinic in the UK: the Natsal-SF Clinical Version (NSFC) and NSOG1
Summary
Clear biopsychosocial treatment models and algorithms are still in development, and there are practical challenges in ensuring interdisciplinary training and collaboration across clinical providers (Berry & Berry, 2013; Brotto et al, 2017; Pyke & Clayton, 2015). Rosen et al, 2000), are too narrowly focused Both assume vaginal penetration and have limited questions on the relationship or on patient assessment of “bother.” Another measure widely used in clinical settings – The Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire - Short Form (CSFQ-14) (Keller et al, 2006) – is brief and less focused on physiological response but does not assess the sexual relationship and does not include items on sexual confidence that is often a target of sex therapy (Leiblum, 2006). Committed to biopsychosocial treatment of sex ual problems, the group was motivated to address a perceived gap in suitable measures (i.e. brief and holistic) The first version they developed (NSOG1) – a brief 8-item measure – was designed via discussion between group members and focused on self-appraisal in terms of confidence, satisfaction, distress, quality of sex life and importance of sex. This study investigated the internal and external validity of the combined instrument (the SFEQ; male and female versions) and its responsiveness to change over a course of therapy sessions in a sexual problem clinic setting
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
