Condom Embarrassment Scale (CES)
Measures the level of embarrassment, psychological discomfort, and self-consciousness associated with acquiring, negotiating, and using condoms.
Scale Development & Technical Details
Scale Overview
The Condom Embarrassment Scale (CES) was developed by Karen Vail-Smith, Thomas W. Durham, H. Ann Howard (1992). It is designed to measure Condom Embarrassment. The scale is intended for use with College students and young adults.
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 18 items organized into 3 factors/subscales: Acquisition and Possession, Negotiation, Use.
| Factor / Subscale | Items | N |
|---|---|---|
| Acquisition and Possession | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,12 | 8 |
| Negotiation | 8,9,10,11,13 | 5 |
| Use | 14,15,16,17,18 | 5 |
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a 5-point Likert scale (1 = Strongly Disagree to 5 = Strongly Agree).
Scoring
Items are scored by subscale, with each subscale sum representing a distinct dimension.
Total scores range from 18 to 90. Interpretation guidelines:
- Low Condom Embarrassment: 18 – 41
- Moderate Condom Embarrassment: 42 – 65
- High Condom Embarrassment: 66 – 90
Psychometric Properties
Internal Consistency: The scale has demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency with reported Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.92.
Administration
The scale is self-administered and typically takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. It can be administered individually or in group settings. No special training is required for administration.