Multidimensional Sexuality Questionnaire – MSQ
A multidimensional self-report instrument designed to measure psychological tendencies associated with human sexuality.
Scale Development & Technical Details
Scale Overview
The Multidimensional Sexuality Questionnaire – MSQ was developed by William E. Snell, Jr., Terri D. Fisher, & Deborah A. Walters (1993). It is designed to measure Psychological tendencies associated with human sexuality. The scale is intended for use with Adults.
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 60 items organized into 12 factors/subscales: Sexual Self-Esteem, Sexual Preoccupation, Sexual Internal Locus of Control, Sexual Awareness, Sexual Motivation, Sexual Anxiety, Sexual Assertiveness, Sexual Depression, Sexual External Locus of Control, Sexual Monitoring, Sexual Fear, Sexual Satisfaction.
| Factor / Subscale | Items | N |
|---|---|---|
| Sexual Self-Esteem | 1,13,25,37,49 | 5 |
| Sexual Preoccupation | 2,14,26,38,50 | 5 |
| Sexual Internal Locus of Control | 3,15,27,39,51 | 5 |
| Sexual Awareness | 4,16,28,40,52 | 5 |
| Sexual Motivation | 5,17,29,41,53 | 5 |
| Sexual Anxiety | 6,18,30,42,54 | 5 |
| Sexual Assertiveness | 7,19,31,43,55 | 5 |
| Sexual Depression | 8,20,32,44,56 | 5 |
| Sexual External Locus of Control | 9,21,33,45,57 | 5 |
| Sexual Monitoring | 10,22,34,46,58 | 5 |
| Sexual Fear | 11,23,35,47,59 | 5 |
| Sexual Satisfaction | 12,24,36,48,60 | 5 |
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a custom response format.
Response anchors: 0 = Not at all characteristic of me, 1 = Slightly characteristic of me, 2 = Somewhat characteristic of me, 3 = Moderately characteristic of me, 4 = Very characteristic of me.
The scale includes 4 reverse-scored items to reduce acquiescence bias.
Scoring
Items are scored by subscale, with each subscale sum representing a distinct dimension.
Total scores range from 0 to 20. Interpretation guidelines:
- Subscale Score Range (0 to 20 per subscale): 0 – 20
Psychometric Properties
Internal Consistency: The scale has demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency with reported Cronbach’s alpha values of Alpha coefficients range from .70 to .90 for the subscales.
Administration
The scale is self-administered and typically takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. It can be administered individually or in group settings. No special training is required for administration.