Sexual Self-Efficacy Scale for Female Functioning – SSES-F
Measures perceived competence and confidence in the behavioral, cognitive, and affective dimensions of female sexual response.
Scale Development & Technical Details
Scale Overview
The Sexual Self-Efficacy Scale for Female Functioning – SSES-F was developed by Sally Bailes, Laura Creti, Catherine S. Fichten, Eva Libman, William Brender, Rhonda Amsel (1989). It is designed to measure Sexual Self-Efficacy. The scale is intended for use with Females (single or partnered).
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 37 items organized into 8 factors/subscales: Interpersonal Orgasm, Interpersonal Interest/Desire, Sensuality, Individual Arousal, Affection, Communication, Body Acceptance, Refusal.
| Factor / Subscale | Items | N |
|---|---|---|
| Interpersonal Orgasm | 4,28,29,30,32,33,34,36,37 | 9 |
| Interpersonal Interest/Desire | 1,5,6,7,9,22 | 6 |
| Sensuality | 17,18,19,20,21,27 | 6 |
| Individual Arousal | 24,25,26,31 | 4 |
| Affection | 8,15,16 | 3 |
| Communication | 12,13,14,23,35 | 5 |
| Body Acceptance | 2,3 | 2 |
| Refusal | 10,11 | 2 |
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a custom response format.
Response anchors: 0 = Cannot Do / Unchecked, 10 = 10 – Quite Uncertain, 20 = 20, 30 = 30, 40 = 40, 50 = 50 – Moderately Certain, 60 = 60, 70 = 70, 80 = 80, 90 = 90, 100 = 100 – Quite Certain.
Scoring
Items are scored by subscale, with each subscale sum representing a distinct dimension.
Total scores range from 0 to 100. Interpretation guidelines:
- Low Sexual Self-Efficacy: 0 – 39
- Moderate Sexual Self-Efficacy: 40 – 69
- High Sexual Self-Efficacy: 70 – 100
Psychometric Properties
Internal Consistency: The scale has demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency with reported Cronbach’s alpha values of Cronbach's alpha = .93 (overall scale).
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.