CAROL RINKLEIB ELLISON,1 Loomis, CA
BERNIE ZILBERGELD,2 Oakland, CA
The Sexuality of Women Survey was designed to gather information for a book about how women experience and express their sexualities. The questionnaire cover letter stated that the purpose was “to learn more about the rich- ness and variability in the sexual development, feelings, attitudes and experiences of American women of all ages, ethnic and religious groups, and sexual orientations.”
Description
This 16-page questionnaire of primarily multiple-choice questions is divided into the following sections: A. Please tell us about yourself (demographics); B. Relationships;
C. Family of origin; D. Early sexual experiences; E. Sexual partner(s); F. Self-stimulation; G. The experi- ence of orgasm; H. Feelings during and immediately after self-stimulation and partner sex; I. Factors affecting sexual satisfaction within a relationship; J. Initiating sex and sexual communication; K. Sexual expression, sexual concerns, and problems; L. Body; M. Satisfaction and the frequency and quality of various kinds of touching activi- ties; N. Sexuality and menstrual cycles; O. Pregnancy; P. Contraceptive method; Q. Sexually transmitted diseases;
R. Affairs; and S. Sexual life over time.
Respondents are instructed to circle the number cor- responding to the best response(s) or to fill in a blank. They also are told to “feel free to write comments on the questionnaire or on a separate page. . . . If a question doesn’t accurately describe your experience, please tell us so. We want to know how you experience your sexuality.”
The questionnaire was designed for and primarily sur- veyed (in 1993–1994) women who had attended at least some college. Thirty-two percent had some college or a 2- year degree; 21% had a 4-year degree; and 40% had done some graduate work or had a graduate degree. The 2,632 women in this sample of convenience who responded to the questionnaire were born between 1905 and 1977; 556 were age 50 or older. Even after attempts were made to have greater ethnic diversity, 83% were Caucasian. With respect to sexual orientation, 7% described themselves as lesbian, 5% as bisexual, and the remainder as heterosexual. The statistics and other research findings describe the par- ticular group of women who were surveyed, not American women in general.
Response Mode and Timing
The questionnaire contains a number of different objective response formats and requires 30 to 45 minutes to com- plete.
Scoring
Many of the questions use 7-point scales; some also include a Not Applicable choice. Many of the other questions involve tabulating how many respondents choose a par- ticular item.
For specific information, contact Carol Ellison (carol. [email protected]) or the statistical consultant on the project, Doug Wallace ([email protected]).
Reliability and Validity
There are no available references on reliability and valid- ity.
Other Information
This survey, and the approximately 100 in-depth inter- views that preceded it, were the basis for Ellison (2000). Information from Section K was the basis for Ellison (2001, 2007). Information from Section G appeared in Ellison (2003).
I grant permission to publish the questionnaire in its entirety, but maintain the copyright in my name. The ques- tionnaire can be viewed online at www.womenssexualities. com.
References
Ellison, C. R. (2000). Women’s sexualities: Generations of women share intimate secrets of sexual self-acceptance. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.
Ellison, C. R. (2001). A research inquiry into some American women’s sexual concerns and problems. In E. Kaschak & L. Tiefer (Eds.), A new view of women’s sexual problems (pp. 147–159). New York: Haworth Press.
Ellison, C. R. (2003). Facilitating orgasmic responsiveness. In S. Levine,
S. Althof, & C. Risen (Eds.), Handbook of clinical sexuality for mental health professionals (pp. 167–185). New York: Brunner-Routledge.
Ellison, C. R. (2007). Women’s sexual problems and concerns. In A. F. Owens & M. S. Tepper (Eds.), Sexual health: Vol. 4. State-of-the-art treatments and research (pp. 87–106). Westport, CT: Praeger.
2Bernie Zilbergeld is deceased.
Exhibit
Sexuality of Women Survey
Instructions: Please answer each question by
CIRCLING THE NUMBER corresponding to the best response OR by
FILLING IN THE BLANK at the right hand margin.
Sometimes you also will be asked to SPECIFY SOME OTHER INFORMATION in a blank in the question itself. Some questions will ask you to circle all that apply.
If you cannot or don’t want to answer a question, circle the question number and move on to the next question. Sometimes you will be directed to skip over questions that do not apply to your experience.
FEEL FREE TO WRITE COMMENTS ON THE QUESTIONNAIRE or on a separate page that you fasten securely to it. If a question doesn’t accurately describe your experience, please tell us so. We want to know how you experience your sexuality.
PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.
Year Born (WRITE THE YEAR IN THE BLANK TO THE RIGHT): 19
Ethnicity: 3. Education: The highest level of schooling I usually describe my ethnicity as (CIRCLE ONE): I have completed is (CIRCLE ONE):
African American
1
High school
1
Asian American
2
Somec ollege
2
Caucasian
3
Vocational degree
3
Latina
4
2-year degree
4
Native American
5
4-year degree
5
Other
Graduate work
6
(PLEASE SPECIFY):
6
Graduate degree
7
Occupation: My Occupation is:
Religion/Spirituality: The average number of times per month I attend services or other spiritual observances now, and did as a child is (PLEASE WRITE IN THE NUMBER OF TIMES):
NOW
CHILDHOOD
NOW
CHILDHOOD
Catholic
Buddhist
Protestant
Atheist
Fundamentalist Christian
Agnostic
Jewish
Other spiritual
Muslim
observances/meditations
Other (SPECIFY)
Children: The ages of the children I am raising or have raised is:
Males
Females
(PLEASE CIRCLE THE AGES OF ANY CHILDREN NOW LIVING IN YOUR HOME.)
Income:
The approximate pre-tax income I earn per year is (CIRCLE ONE): 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 Less than $12,000 2 $12,001–$25,000 3 $25,001–$50,000
4 $50,001–$75,000 5 $75,001–$120,000 6 $120,001+
b. The approximate pre-tax income per year of my family unit is:
1
2
3
4 5 6
9. Orientation: I think of myself as (CIRCLE ONE):
1 Heterosexual 2 Lesbian 3 Bisexual
1 2 3
Residence:
The State I now live in is
I have lived in the United States years (WRITE THE NUMBER IN THE BLANK AT THE RIGHT):
PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP(S).
My current relationship and living situation is (CHOOSE ONE):
No sex partner now 1
Seeing but not living with my sex partner(s) 2
Living with a sex partner, without marriage or life commitment 3
Living with a sex partner, with marriage or life commitment 4
Other (PLEASE SPECIFY): 5
The number of times I have ever (PLEASE WRITE IN THE NUMBER OR “0”):
Lived with a sex partner I didn’t later marry is
Been married is
Been divorced is
For many of the questions that follow you will answer by circling a number on a scale from 1 to 7:
1 = STRONGLY DISAGREE 5 = SLIGHTLY AGREE
2 = DISAGREE 6 = AGREE
3 = SLIGHTLY DISAGREE 7 = STRONGLY AGREE
4 = EQUALLY AGREE AND DISAGREE 0 = NOT APPLICABLE TO MY EXPERIENCE (NA)
Been widowed is
C. PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY OF ORIGIN. | ||||||
The questions in this section are about your growing up years. Mother and Father refer to the “parent(s)” who raised you. CIRCLE “0” to mean “no mother figure” or “no father figure.” | ||||||
While I was growing up (CIRCLE THE BEST ANSWER FOR EACH STATEMENT): | STRONGLY | STRONGLY | ||||
DISAGREE | AGREE | NA | ||||
1. My mother and father openly demonstrated physical affection for each other | 1 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 7 | 0 |
2. a. My father affectionately touched (for example, hugged) me | 1 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 7 | 0 |
b. This affection was appropriately expressed | 1 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 7 | 0 |
3. a. My mother affectionately touched me | 1 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 7 | 0 |
b. This affection was appropriately expressed | 1 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 7 | 0 |
4. I felt free to express my own opinions at home | 1 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 7 | 0 |
5. Sexuality was often discussed in my family | 1 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 7 | 0 |
6. a. My mother’s attitude toward sex was generally positive | 1 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 7 | 0 |
b. My father’s attitude toward sex was generally positive | 1 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 7 | 0 |
THESE QUESTIONS ARE ABOUT YOUR EARLY SEXUAL EXPERIENCES.
As a child or adolescent, the first person with whom I engaged in an activity that
I thought of as sexual at the time was a (1 male OR 2 female) 1 2
If you have NEVER engaged in ANY sexual activity with a male, 0
CIRCLE the 0 at the right and skip to Question 4a.
a. As a child or adolescent, my first sexual activity that I thought of at the time as sexual with a male occurred when I was years old.
STRONGLY STRONGLY
DISAGREE AGREE NA
This sexual activity was with my consent. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0
The male involved was: (CHOOSE ONE BEST ANSWER)
A peer (boyfriend, schoolmate, friend) 1
A relative (PLEASE SPECIFY WHO) 2
A stranger 3
Other (PLEASE SPECIFY): 4
If you have NEVER had sexual intercourse, CIRCLE 0 and skip to Question 4a. 0
a. My first sexual intercourse was when I was years old.
STRONGLY STRONGLY
DISAGREE AGREE NA
My first sexual intercourse was with my consent 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0
The partner in my first intercourse was
A peer (boyfriend, schoolmate, friend) 1
A relative (PLEASE SPECIFY WHO) 2
A stranger 3
Other (PLEASE SPECIFY): 4
He was (CHOOSE ONE BEST ANSWER)
Someone I wasn’t then planning to marry 1
Someone I was planning to marry 2
Someone I had already married 3
None of the above 4
If you have NEVER engaged in ANY sexual activity with another female, CIRCLE “0” and skip to Question 5. 0
a. My first sexual activity that I thought of at the time as sexual
with another female occurred when I was years old.
STRONGLY STRONGLY
DISAGREE AGREE NA
This sexual activity was with my consent. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0
The female involved was (CHOOSE ONE):
A peer (girlfriend, schoolmate, friend) 1
A relative (PLEASE SPECIFY WHO) 2
A stranger 3
Other (PLEASE SPECIFY): 4
Compared to my female classmates, during my adolescent years: ABOUT AS MORE LESS
I dated (1 about as, 2 more, OR 3 less) often 1 2 3
I was (1 about as, 2 more, OR 3 less) sexually active 1 2 3
THE QUESTIONS IN THIS SECTION ARE ABOUT YOUR SEXUAL PARTNER(S).
A SEXUAL PARTNER is someone with whom you currently (or did in the past) engage in ANY kind of sexual activity.
The last time I engaged in any kind of sexual activity with a partner was Today 1
(PLEASE CIRCLE 1 FOR today, OR WRITE IN YOUR BEST ESTIMATE OF APPROXIMATELY or Days ago
HOW MANY days, months OR years ago): or Months ago or Years ago
If you have more than one current partner, interpret “current partner” to mean your “primary partner” as you fill out this questionnaire.
a. My current or most recent sexual partner is/was
(1 male OR 2 female) 1
2
b. I have been (or was) with this partner months Months
OR years (WRITE IN HOW MANY AT THE RIGHT): or Years
I think of myself as currently having (a) male a) Male and (b) female sexual partners (WRITE IN HOW MANY): b) Female
I have had about sexual partners in my lifetime (WRITE IN HOW MANY):
In my lifetime, the number of people with whom I have engaged in what is often called “casual sex” or a “one-night stand” (including instances where a relationship or friendship developed after the sex) is approximately (WRITE IN HOW MANY🙂
STRONGLY STRONGLY
DISAGREE AGREE NA
My current or most recent sex partner has been (was) a good partner for me
(in general, not just sexually) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0
In the past, most of my sex partners were good partners for me
(in general, not just sexually) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0
In my life I have had at least one partner with whom I had what I
considered to be really fantastic sex. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0
a. In the last 3 months, the number of individuals with whom I have engaged in sexual activity of any kind is (WRITE IN HOW MANY):
If your answer to 9a is “0”, skip 9b.
b. The partner(s) and circumstances can be described as (CIRCLE ALL THAT APPLY):
A male partner 1
A female partner 2
My “spouse” (married or life commitment) 3
A nonspouse partner I live with 4
A partner I don’t live with 5
Some one I knew at the time for more than 1 but less than 7 days 6
Some one I knew at the time for less than 24 hours 7
A partner with whom I have an on-going affair 8
A friend: we sometimes or regularly meet each other’s sexual needs 9
Someone I know, in exchange for money 10
A stranger, in exchange for money 11
Other (PLEASE SPECIFY): 12
F. | THE NEXT 4 QUESTIONS ARE ABOUT SELF-STIMULATION. | |
1. The first time I intentionally stimulated my genitals while alone (masturbated) I was years old (IF YOU DON’T KNOW, WRITE IN YOUR BEST GUESS) | ||
If NEVER, circle 0 and skip to Section G | 0 | |
2. In the last month, I have intentionally stimulated my genitals when alone approximately times. If you have NOT intentionally stimulated your genitals when alone in the LAST 3 MONTHS, circle 0 and skip to Question 4. | 0 | |
3. In the last 3 months, I intentionally stimulated my genitals when alone (CIRCLE ALL THAT APPLY): Because self-stimulation feels good | 1 | |
Because I felt a physical urge to do so | 2 | |
To comfort myself | 3 | |
To help me sleep | 4 | |
To relieve menstrual cramps | 5 | |
To relax | 6 | |
To have one or more orgasms | 7 | |
To feel more finished or relieve frustration after partner sex | 8 | |
Because a partner wasn’t available right then | 9 | |
Because I was lonely | 10 | |
Because I was bored | 11 | |
Other | 12 | |
STRONGLY | STRONGLY | |
DISAGREE | AGREE NA |
4. I usually fantasize when I masturbate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0
G. THE QUESTIONS IN THIS SECTION ARE ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE OF ORGASM: | |
1. Please circle the number of the best answer for you: I have never experienced an orgasm | 1 |
I am not sure if I have ever had an orgasm | 2 |
My first orgasm was by myself | 3 |
My first orgasm was during sexual activity with a partner | 4 |
Other (PLEASE SPECIFY): | 5 |
If you have NEVER experienced orgasm or are NOT SURE if you have, please skip to Question 11. | |
2. I think my first orgasm occurred when I was age years (IF YOU DON’T KNOW FOR SURE, PLEASE WRITE IN YOUR BEST ESTIMATE OR GUESS. IF YOU WERE YOUNG, PERHAPS YOU ONLY REALIZED LATER IT WAS AN ORGASM.) | |
3. The following describe my experience (PLEASE CIRCLE ALL THAT APPLY): |
My first orgasm occurred spontaneously 1
My first orgasm occurred when I was trying to have one 2
My first orgasm surprised me 3
I was frightened by the sensations of my first orgasm 4
I reach orgasm when alone but not when I’m with a partner 5
I have at some time awakened from sleep having an orgasm from dreaming 6
I have at some time had an orgasm from mental/emotional stimulation (such as a fantasy, recalling a past experience, reading) without also
sexually touching myself 7
None of the above 0
If you have NEVER had an orgasm when alone, please circle 0 and skip to Question 7. 0
STRONGLY STRONGLY
4. I generally reach orgasm more easily by myself than with a partner | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 0 |
5. I generally have more enjoyable orgasms by myself than I have had with a partner | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 0 |
6. The stimulation I use to reach orgasm when alone tends to be: |
DISAGREE AGREE NA
Always (or almost always) the same kind 1
Varied, I use different kinds of stimulation at different times 2
If you have NEVER experienced orgasm with a partner, please circle 0 and skip to Question 10. 0
7. The stimulation through which I reach orgasm with a partner tends to be:
Always (or almost always) the same kind 1
Varied, different kinds of stimulation at different times 2
STRONGLY STRONGLY
DISAGREE AGREE NA
8. I generally have (had) more enjoyable orgasms with my most satisfying sexual partner than by myself | 1 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 0 |
If you have NOT experienced orgasm with a partner in the last 3 months, please circle 0 and skip to Question 10. | 0 |
The next question is about your orgasms with a partner IN the LAST 3 MONTHS. If you have had more than one partner, answer regarding your most satisfying partner.
(PLEASE WRITE IN YOUR BEST GUESS) b. I actually orgasmed in approximately % of the sexual episodes in which I wanted to (WRITE IN YOUR BEST GUESS) | % % | ||
STRONGLY | STRONGLY | ||
DISAGREE | AGREE | ||
c. I am satisfied with the frequency I actually orgasmed 1 2 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 7 |
d. I am satisfied with the quality/intensity of the orgasms I had 1 2 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 7 |
b. Laughed during orgasm or had laughter released by orgasm times | |||
11. a. In my life, I have faked an orgasm times (PLEASE WRITE IN YOUR BEST ESTIMATE OR GUESS): | |||
b. I have faked an orgasm with percent of my partners | % | ||
If you do not have a current partner, circle 0 and skip to Question 12. c. I fake an orgasm with my current partner about percent of the time | 0 % | ||
In the last 3 months when having sex with my partner
I wanted to orgasm in approximately % of the sexual episodes
In my life, I have (PLEASE WRITE IN YOUR BEST ESTIMATE OR GUESS OF THE NUMBER):
Cried during orgasm or had crying released by orgasm times
If you have NEVER reached orgasm during sex with a partner, please skip to the next section, Section H.
12. In addition to getting specific physical stimulation, I often have done the following to help me reach orgasm during sex with a partner (CIRCLE ALL THAT APPLY; SOME MAY HAVE HAPPENED SPONTANEOUSLY):
Gotten myself in a sexy mood beforehand 1
Engaged in a fantasy of my own 2
Engaged in a fantasy shared with my partner 3
Thought or imagined that I might become pregnant 4
Synchronized my breathing to my partner’s breathing 5
Synchronized the rhythm of my movements to my partner’s 6
Felt/thought how much I love my partner 7
Tightened and released my pelvic muscles 8
Paid attention to my physical sensations 9
Focused on my partner’s pleasure 10
Positioned my body to get the stimulation I needed 11
Engaged in eye contact with my partner 12
Detached from thinking about anything 13
Asked or encouraged my partner to do what I needed 14
Other (PLEASE SPECIFY): 15
THESE QUESTIONS ARE ABOUT YOUR FEELINGS DURING AND IMMEDIATELY AFTER SELF-STIMULATION AND PARTNER SEX.
If you have NEVER masturbated, start with Question 2; skip 1 and 3. If you have NEVER had sex with a partner, start with 1, skip 2 and 4.
Below is a list of feelings you may have experienced during and immediately after sexual activity, either alone or with a partner.
The feelings from the list that I have experienced most typically during and immediately after masturbation are (CIRCLE THE NUMBERS IN THE COLUMN LABELED SELF OF ALL THAT APPLY):
The feelings that I have experienced most often during and immediately after sex with my current or most recent partner are (CIRCLE THE NUMBERS IN THE COLUMN LABELED PARTNER OF ALL THAT APPLY):
SELF
PARTNER
SELF
PARTNER
SELF
PARTNER
Anxious
1
1
Happy
20
20
Pressured
39
39
Aroused
2
2
Helpless
21
21
Resentful
40
40
Ashamed
3
3
Inadequate
22
22
Romantic
41
41
Bored
4
4
Inhibited
23
23
Sad
42
42
Coerced
5
5
Intense
24
24
Sated
43
43
Confident
6
6
Judged
25
25
Satisfied
44
44
Desirable
7
7
Lonely
26
26
Secure
45
45
Desire
8
8
Loved
27
27
Self-loving
46
46
Desired
9
9
Loving
28
28
Sensual
47
47
Disappointed
10
10
Lusty
29
29
Separate
48
48
Dissatisfied
11
11
Meditative
30
30
Sexy
49
49
Dominated
12
12
Merged
31
31
Spiritual
50
50
Dominating
13
13
“Not there”
32
32
Successful
51
51
Ecstasy
14
14
Obsessed
33
33
Tense
52
52
Embarrassed
15
15
Passionate
34
34
Tired
53
53
Erotic
16
16
Peaceful
35
35
Trusting
54
54
Excited
17
17
Playful
36
36
Victimized
55
55
Frustrated
18
18
Pleasured
37
37
Vulnerable
56
56
Guilty
19
19
Powerful
38
38
Wonderful
57
57
If other words better describe your masturbation experiences, please write them here:
If other words better describe your sexual experiences with your current or most recent partner, please write them here:
List the numbers of up to 5 feelings from the list above (other than “satisfied”) that you associate with your most satisfying sexual experiences.
If you have NEVER had satisfying sexual experiences either alone or with a partner, circle 0. 0
THIS SECTION IS ABOUT FACTORS AFFECTING YOUR SEXUAL SATISFACTION WITHIN A RELATIONSHIP.
If you have NEVER had SATISFYING sex with a partner within an ongoing relationship,
please circle 0 and skip to the next section, Section J. 0
If you have EVER had SATISFYING sex with a partner within an ongoing relationship, please consider the most recent period in your life when you had satisfying sex in a relationship:
1 a. In this period of my life in this relationship, the following were USUALLY or ALWAYS
present in my most satisfying sexual experiences with my partner (CIRCLE THE NUMBERS OF ALL THAT APPLY):
Before Sex
Feeling close to my partner before sex 1
Arguing before having sex 2
Having an alcoholic drink before sex 3
Using marijuana or another recreational drug before (or during) sex 4
Partner and Situation
Feeling loved 5
Feeling safe in the relationship 6
Knowing we could take as much time as we wanted 7
Knowing there was no risk of getting or transmitting a disease 8
Knowing there was no risk of getting pregnant 9
Being aware that I might become pregnant 10
Knowing my partner would give me the physical stimulation I needed 11
Behaviors and Feelings During Sex
Talking with my partner during sex about what we were doing 12
Talking about or acting out a shared drama or fantasy 13
Focusing on a stimulating fantasy of my own 14
Feeling really attuned with my partner during sex 15
No pressure from my partner for me to have an orgasm 16
No pressure from myself to have an orgasm 17
My partner was accepting of my desires, preferences and responses 18
My partner got and maintained an erection 19
My partner did not ejaculate quickly 20
Stimulation
Extended stimulation of other kinds before intercourse 21
Breast stimulation 22
Manual stimulation of my genitals 23
Oral stimulation of my genitals 24
Using a vibrator 25
Using a dildo 26
Anal stimulation 27
Having intercourse 28
Steady, reliable stimulation that continued through orgasm 29
Outcomes
One or more orgasms 30
Simultaneous orgasm with my partner 31
Knowing that I gave my partner a wonderful experience 32
Emotional closeness after sexual activity 33
Other (PLEASE SPECIFY): 34
b. In the period of my life I have been considering for this question I was in my
1 Teens 2 20’s 3 30’s 4 40’s 5 50’s 6 60’s 7 70’s 8 80’s 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
THESE QUESTIONS ARE ABOUT INITIATING SEX AND SEXUAL COMMUNICATION. If you have not had a sexual partner in the last year, please circle 0,
skip Sections J and K, and go to Section L. 0
INITIATING SEX means letting your partner know (verbally or physically) your desire for sexual activity.
PLEASE CIRCLE THE BEST ANSWER FOR EACH STATEMENT. STRONGLY STRONGLY DISAGREE AGREE NA
1. I initiate sex whenever I want it.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
0
2. a. I am comfortable initiating sex with my current or most recent partner.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
0
b. That partner is (was) comfortable with my initiating sexual activity.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
0
3. During sex, I am comfortable telling my partner what I don’t like or
don’t want (for example: “Ouch!” or “I don’t want to do that tonight.”)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
0
4. During sex, I am comfortable telling my partner what I want and like
(for example, Would you . . .” or “A little slower . . .” or “That feels great.”)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
0
5. During sex, I communicate my desires as often as I want to.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
0
6. One reason I don’t communicate much during sex is that I usually
don’t know what I want.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
0
7. My partner gives me as much feedback about his/her sexual likes and dislikes as I want.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
0
THESE QUESTIONS ARE ABOUT SOME ASPECTS OF SEXUAL EXPRESSION YOU MAY HAVE EXPERIENCED IN THE PAST YEAR AND ABOUT SEXUAL CONCERNS AND PROBLEMS.
In Question 1, indicate which of the items you have experienced IN THE PAST YEAR by circling the number that indicates how often you experienced it. Skip any you have NOT experienced.
RAR = Rarely ST = Sometimes OFT = Often ALL = All the time
1. a. I have experienced the following in the last year (CIRCLE ANY THAT APPLY): | RAR | ST | OFT | ALL |
Difficulty finding a partner I wanted to be sexual with | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Lower sexual desire than I wanted to have | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Being too tired to have sex | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Being too busy to have sex | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Not feeling sexually satisfied | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
My partner not as interested in sexasI was | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
My partner less interested incloseness after sex than I | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
My partner choosing inconvenient times for sex | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
b. During sex in the last year I have experienced: Difficulty getting excited/aroused | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
Feeling distracted | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Inability to relax | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 |
Involuntary vaginal spasm so that vaginal entry and/or intercourse was impossible or difficult | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
Insufficient vaginal lubrication | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
Pain during intercourse or other internal stimulation | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 |
Fantasizing that I am having sex with someone other than my partner | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
Difficulty in reaching orgasm | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
Inability to have an orgasm | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 |
Reaching orgasm too quickly | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
My partner seeming distracted | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 |
My partner wanting shorter foreplay than I wanted | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
My partner having difficulty getting aroused | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 |
My partner ejaculating too quickly | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 |
My partner having difficulty getting and/or maintaining an erection | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 |
Other (SPECIFY): | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 |
None of the above | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Some of the items in Question 1 you may think of as “the way life is.” Others you may think of as “problems.” | ||||
2. I think or thought of these items I marked in Question 1 as problems (PLEASE WRITE THE NUMBER(S) OF THOSE ITEMS HERE OR CIRCLE 0 FOR NONE):
| 0 |
In the past year I have sought the following kinds of help for sexual concerns or problems (CIRCLE ALL THAT APPLY):
None 0
Talked to my partner 1
Talked to a (nonpartner) friend 2
Talked to a relative 3
Talked to a minister or teacher 4
Read a book or article that gave advice 5
Went to a medical/health practitioner (other than a therapist) 6
Went to a therapist by myself 7
Went to a therapist with my partner 8
Enrolled in a course or program 9
Other (SPECIFY): 10
a. In the past year, my most important sexual problem or concern was
(WRITE THE NUMBER FROM THE LIST IN QUESTION 1 OR SPECIFY)
If None, circle 0 and skip 4b and 4c. 0
STRONGLY STRONGLY
DISAGREE AGREE NA
b. This problem or concern has been satisfactorily resolved | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 0 |
If the situation is not improved, circle 0 and skip 4c. | 0 | |||||||
c. I attribute the improvement in this situation to (CIRCLE ALL THAT APPLY): A solution I figured out for myself | 1 | |||||||
Talking with my partner | 2 | |||||||
Talking with a friend, relative, parent, or minister | 3 | |||||||
Seeing a therapist | 4 | |||||||
Seeing a medical/health practitioner | 5 | |||||||
Surgery | 6 | |||||||
Medication (starting, stopping, changing) | 7 | |||||||
Passage of time | 8 | |||||||
Advice in a book or article | 9 | |||||||
Getting a new partner | 10 | |||||||
Other (PLEASE SPECIFY): | 11 | |||||||
L. | THE NEXT QUESTIONS ARE ABOUT YOUR BODY. | |||||||
STRONGLY | STRONGLY | |||||||
DISAGREE | AGREE NA | |||||||
1. Overall, I am satisfied with how my body looks 1 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 6 7 | |||||
2. My current or last partner is/was satisfied with how my body looks 1 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 6 7 0 | |||||
3. My feelings about my body interfere with my sexual satisfaction 1 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 6 7 | |||||
4. a. My weight is pounds b. My height is feet inches | lb. ft. in. | |||||||
5. a. I have had the following surgery (PLEASE CIRCLE THE CORRESPONDING NUMBER(S) | ||||||||
AND WRITE IN YOUR AGE AT THE TIME OF THE SURGERY): AGE AT TIME OF SURGERY
Hysterectomy (uterus removed) 1
Ovaries removed 2
Mastectomy 3
Other surgery (PLEASE SPECIFY): 4
b. I have the following physical condition(s) (PLEASE CIRCLE THE CORRESPONDING | ||
NUMBER(S) AND INDICATE YOUR AGE WHEN THE CONDITION BEGAN): | AGE OF ONSET | |
Diabetes | 5 | |
Chronic vaginal dryness (currently) | 6 | |
Chronic bladder infections (currently) | 7 | |
Other illness, disability, or physical condition (PLEASE SPECIFY): | ||
8 |
9
10
None 0
6. In the past year I have taken the following medications or hormones (PLEASE CIRCLE THE CORRESPONDING NUMBER(S) AND WRITE IN APPROXIMATELY HOW LONG YOU HAVE TAKEN THEM): NO. OF YRS TAKEN
Blood pressure medication 1
Antihistamine 2
Antidepressant 3
Antianxiety medication 4
Insulin 5
Birth control pills 6
Other estrogen 7
Other progestin/progesterone 8
Other medications or hormones (SPECIFY):
9
10
11
None 0
STRONGLY STRONGLY
DISAGREE AGREE
7. The physical condition of my body interferes with my sexual satisfaction | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | |
Answer Question 8 ONLY IF you are NOT now physically able to become pregnant. Give ages for ALL you have experienced. | ||||||||
8. I am not physically able to become pregnant because (GIVE AGES FOR ALL THAT APPLY): I reached menopause at age | 1 | |||||||
I had my tubes tied when I was age | 2 | |||||||
I had a hysterectomy when I was age | 3 | |||||||
I had/have had endometriosis from approximately age | 4 | |||||||
I had a pelvic infection when I was age | 5 | |||||||
Other (PLEASE SPECIFY): | 6 |
THESE QUESTIONS ARE ABOUT SATISFACTION AND THE FREQUENCY AND QUALITY OF VARIOUS KINDS OF TOUCHING ACTIVITIES:
STRONGLY STRONGLY
DISAGREE AGREE NA
I have been satisfied with my sex life (including self-sexual activity)
in the last 3 months 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
0
If you have NOT engaged in sexual activity (of any kind) with a partner
in the last 3 months, please circle 0 and skip to Question 6 of this section.
0
2. I have been satisfied with my sex life with a partner in the last 3 months 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
0
3. a. In the last 3 months, I have been satisfied with the quality of genital
stimulation and/or intercourse I’ve had with a partner 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
0
b. With respect to the frequency of this kind of activity, I would like MORE LESS
SAME
(1 more, 2 less, OR 3 about the same) amount 1 2
3
4. a. In the last 3 months, I have been satisfied with the quality of sexual/erotic contact I’ve had with a partner that did not include or lead to sustained genital stimulation or intercourse (For example, a passionate kiss or erotic caress).
1
2
3
4 5 6 7
0
b. With respect to the frequency of this kind of activity, I would like
MORE LESS
SAME
(1 more, 2 less, OR 3 about the same) amount
1
2
3
5. a. In the last 3 months, I have been satisfied with the quality of the affectionate
nonsexual, nongenital touching I’ve had with a partner.
1
2
3
4 5 6
7
0
b. With respect to the frequency of this kind of activity, I would like
(1 more, 2 less, OR 3 about the same) amount
MORE
1
LESS
2
SAME
3
6. a. Regarding total amount of sexual activity (anything and everything sexual), in my current or most recent relationship:
I want(ed) more than my partner 1
My partner wants (wanted) more 2
My partner and I want(ed) about the same amount 3
If you want(ed) about the same amount, skip 6b.
b. We (have) reached a mutually satisfying compromise 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0
THE NEXT QUESTIONS ARE ABOUT SEXUALITY AND YOUR MENSTRUAL CYCLES
STRONGLY STRONGLY
DISAGREE AGREE NA
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
0
1
2
3
4
It seems to me that my sexual desire has (had) predictable variations due to my menstrual cycle
It seems to me that my sexual satisfaction has (had) predictable variations due to my menstrual cycle
I enjoy(ed) sexual activity during my menstrual flow
I engage(d) in sexual intercourse during my menstrual flow
1 Never 2 Rarely 3 Sometimes 4 Often
THE QUESTIONS IN THIS SECTION ARE ABOUT PREGNANCY:
If you have NEVER been pregnant AND never wanted to be pregnant,
please circle 0 and skip to the next section, Section P. 0
Please indicate if you have ever been pregnant and fill in any other blanks that apply:
I have been pregnant times. a
of my pregnancies were planned. b
of my pregnancies were unplanned. c
of my pregnancies resulted in live births. d
of my pregnancies ended in spontaneous abortion or miscarriage e
of my pregnancies ended in an arranged abortion f
of my babies were given up for adoption g
STRONGLY STRONGLY
DISAGREE AGREE NA
sexual pleasure and/or satisfaction 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
0
3. At some time in my life, I had difficulty becoming pregnant when I wanted to 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
0
sexual pleasure and/or satisfaction 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
0
5. At some time in my life, I have undergone medical testing and/or
interventions for fertility 1 Yes 2 No
1
2
If you have NEVER been pregnant, please skip to Question 8.
6. In my life, becoming pregnant has resulted in the following (CIRCLE ALL THAT APPLY):
I got married sooner than I had planned
1
I married someone I had not previously planned to marry
2
I married someone I never would have chosen to marry otherwise
3
I married someone at the time who was not the biological father
4
I had a baby in marriage before I felt ready
The biological father knew about the pregnancy but did not remain with me through it
5
6
The biological father never knew about the pregnancy
7
Other
8
None of the above
0
7. a. I am pregnant now 1 Yes 2 No 3 Not sure
1
2
3
b. I have a baby I currently breastfeed
1
2
c. I have sometime had a baby delivered by Cesarean section
1
2
At some time in my life, trying to become pregnant enhanced my
4. At some time in my life, trying to become pregnant diminished my
8. During, or as a result of, partner sex during the last 3 months I have felt (CIRCLE ALL THAT APPLY):
Desirous of becoming pregnant
1
Concerned or fearful that I might not become pregnant
2
Concerned or fearful that I was pregnant
3
Concerned or fearful that I might become pregnant
4
None of the above
0
THIS SECTION IS ABOUT YOUR CONTRACEPTIVE METHOD:
If you do NOT use a contraceptive method, circle 0 and skip to Section Q. 0
a. The method of contraception I use most frequently is
(PLEASE WRITE IN):
STRONGLY STRONGLY
DISAGREE AGREE NA
b. This method increases my sexual satisfaction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0
THESE 4 QUESTIONS ARE ABOUT SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES:
I have at some time in my life contracted a sexually transmitted disease (STD)
1 Yes 2 No 1 2
(IF YES, PLEASE SPECIFY WHAT IT WAS):
If you DO NOT use a method of disease protection, circle 0
and skip to Question 3. Note the instructions above Question 3. 0
a. The method of protection against sexually transmitted diseases I use most frequently is (PLEASE WRITE IN):
STRONGLY STRONGLY
DISAGREE AGREE NA
b. This method increases my sexual satisfaction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0
If you have NOT had sex with a partner in the last 3 months,
please circle 0 and skip to the next section, section R. 0
In sex with my partner(s) during the last 3 months I have felt concerned that
I might get an STD 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0
In sex with my partner(s) during the last 3 months I have felt concerned that
I might transmit an STD 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0
THE QUESTIONS IN THIS SECTION ARE ABOUT AFFAIRS:
An AFFAIR, for the purposes of these questions, refers to YOU having sex outside of your relationship in a way that violates rules of the relationship against it. If you and your partner have agreed that outside sex is OK, then it’s not an affair. If you are single and having sex with someone who is married, that is NOT an affair for you.
The number of affairs I have had in my life is
If you have NEVER had an affair, circle 0 and skip to Question 3. 0
The most important reason(s) for my FIRST affair were (CIRCLE UP TO THREE REASONS):
Not enough sex in my primary relationship 1
Not enough closeness in my primary relationship 2
Curiosity 3
Strong attraction to the other person 4
Desire for something different 5
To make my partner jealous 6
To get back at my partner for something done to me 7
Trying to get pregnant (I couldn’t get pregnant with my partner) 8
It provided a way out of an unsatisfactory relationship 9
My partner is/was unable to engage in sex (e.g. due to a
medical problem) 10
Other (PLEASE SPECIFY): 11
With respect to my current partner (CIRCLE THE BEST ANSWER):
I have no current partner 0
I am quite certain that while in relationship with me he/she has not
had an affair with someone else 1
I sometimes wonder if he/she has had or is having an affair; I am not sure 2
I am quite certain that he/she has had or is having an affair 3
While I was growing up, my father and mother, or the “parents” who raised me
(CIRCLE ONE ANSWER IN EACH COLUMN): FATHER MOTHER
Never had an affair that I suspected or knew about 1 1
Had 1 or more affairs that I knew about 2 2
May have had an affair, I was not sure 3 3
Not applicable 0 0
Answer Questions 5 & 6 IF you have NEVER had an affair as defined above OR if you have NEVER had an affair while with your current partner.
The most important reason(s) I have NEVER had an affair or NOT had an affair in my current relationship are (up to THREE reasons):
I have had no desire to do so 1
I have not had an opportunity to do so 2
Having an affair is against my values 3
I am/was afraid of getting caught by my partner 4
I don’t/didn’t believe I could deal with the guilt 5
It would destroy my relationship 6
I am/was afraid of catching a sexually transmitted disease 7
Other (PLEASE SPECIFY): 8
STRONGLY STRONGLY
I would be open to having an affair in the future (if currently in a
DISAGREE AGREE NA
relationship, answer in terms of still being in that relationship) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0
S. | THESE FINAL QUESTIONS LOOK AT YOUR SEXUAL LIFE OVER TIME: | |
1. In my life, my sexual satisfaction has been/was at its peak between ages and years: | and | |
2. Looking back, I have at some time had a problem in my sexual life due to the following (CIRCLE ALL THAT APPLY): Inadequate sex education | 1 | |
Inadequate knowledge of my body and sexual feelings | 2 | |
Inadequate information about the how-to of sex | 3 | |
Inadequate knowledge of the physical consequences of sex | 4 | |
Inadequate knowledge of the emotional consequences of sex | 5 | |
Inadequate information about birth control | 6 | |
Inadequate availability of birth control | 7 | |
None of the above | 0 | |
3. Looking back over my entire life, I regret the following about my sexual life (CIRCLE ALL THAT APPLY): I got into sex when I was too young. | 1 | |
I had sex with partners I should have turned down. | 2 | |
I did not have sex with someone with whom I wish I had | 3 | |
I had sex without protection against pregnancy | 4 | |
I had sex without protection against disease | 5 | |
I was too often not assertive enough about my needs | 6 | |
I was too inhibited | 7 | |
I was celibate for too long | 8 | |
I did not take more time to be celibate | 9 | |
I married the wrong person because of sex | 10 | |
I stayed too long in relationship with the wrong partner | 11 | |
Other (PLEASE SPECIFY): | 12 | |
None of the above | 0 |
Looking back, the most significant sources for me of sex information in each of the two
following categories have been (CIRCLE ONE or TWO ANSWERS IN EACH COLUMN): Helpful Misleading
or Useful or Harmful
Same age friend(s) 1 1
Older friend(s) 2 2
Sexual partner(s) 3 3
Parent(s) 4 4
Sex education book(s) 5 5
Fiction books (novels, romances, etc.) 6 6
Media (TV, movies, magazines, etc.) 7 7
Erotic or pornographic material(s) 8 8
Course(s) in school or college 9 9
Religious teachings 10 10
Relative(s) 11 11
Health practitioner(s)/therapist(s) 12 12
Other (PLEASE SPECIFY):
Looking back, I believe the information I got from the parent(s) or parent
13 13
STRONGLY STRONGLY
DISAGREE AGREE NA
figure(s) who raised me prepared me to have a healthy and fulfilling sex life 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0
Compared to how I was during the year after I became sexually active for the first time ever with a partner (in a genital way, whether or not intercourse was included), I have changed in sex in the following ways (CIRCLE THE NUMBER ON EACH LINE THAT BEST INDICATES HOW YOU HAVE CHANGED). If your first-ever genital contact with a partner
occurred less than a year ago, circle 0 and skip to question 7. 0
MORE
SAME
LESS
a. Desire sex
1
2
3
b. Get aroused easily
1
2
3
c. Express my sexual needs
1
2
3
d. Am inhibited
1
2
3
e. Have erotic thoughts
1
2
3
f. Orgasm easily
1
2
3
g. Initiate
1
2
3
h. Am sexually satisfied
1
2
3
i. Have fun
1
2
3
j. Engage in casual sex
1
2
3
k. Am comfortable with sex
1
2
3
l. Focus on my partner’s satisfaction
1
2
3
m. Focus on my own satisfaction
1
2
3
STRONGLY
STRONGLY
AGREE
DISAGREE
I now:
On the whole, I have been satisfied with my sexual life 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
© 1993 Carol Ellison, Ph.D., & Bernie Zilbergeld, Ph.D.
Cite this article
mohammad looti (2026). Sexuality of Women Survey. PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES. Retrieved from https://scales.arabpsychology.com/s/sexuality-of-women-survey/
mohammad looti. "Sexuality of Women Survey." PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES, 31 Mar. 2026, https://scales.arabpsychology.com/s/sexuality-of-women-survey/.
mohammad looti. "Sexuality of Women Survey." PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES, 2026. https://scales.arabpsychology.com/s/sexuality-of-women-survey/.
mohammad looti (2026) 'Sexuality of Women Survey', PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES. Available at: https://scales.arabpsychology.com/s/sexuality-of-women-survey/.
[1] mohammad looti, "Sexuality of Women Survey," PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES, vol. X, no. Y, ص Z-Z, March, 2026.
mohammad looti. Sexuality of Women Survey. PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES. 2026;vol(issue):pages.