Female Sexual Function Index – FSFI
A multidimensional self-report instrument for assessing key dimensions of female sexual function.
Scale Development & Technical Details
Scale Overview
The Female Sexual Function Index – FSFI was developed by Raymond Rosen, Sandra Leiblum, C. Brown, J. Heiman, C. Meston, R. Shabsigh, D. Ferguson, R. D’Agostino Jr. (2000). It is designed to measure Female sexual function. The scale is intended for use with Adult females.
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 19 items organized into 6 factors/subscales: Desire, Arousal, Lubrication, Orgasm, Satisfaction, Pain.
| Factor / Subscale | Items | N |
|---|---|---|
| Desire | 1,2 | 2 |
| Arousal | 3,4,5,6 | 4 |
| Lubrication | 7,8,9,10 | 4 |
| Orgasm | 11,12,13 | 3 |
| Satisfaction | 14,15,16 | 3 |
| Pain | 17,18,19 | 3 |
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a custom response format.
Response anchors: 0 = No sexual activity / Did not attempt intercourse, 1 = Almost never or never / Very low / Extremely difficult / Very dissatisfied / Very high pain, 2 = A few times / Low / Very difficult / Moderately dissatisfied / High pain, 3 = Sometimes / Moderate / Difficult / About equally satisfied and dissatisfied / Moderate pain, 4 = Most times / High / Slightly difficult / Moderately satisfied / Low pain, 5 = Almost always or always / Very high / Not difficult / Very satisfied / Very low or no pain.
Scoring
Items are scored by subscale, with each subscale sum representing a distinct dimension.
Total scores range from 2 to 36. Interpretation guidelines:
- Risk of Sexual Dysfunction: 2 – 26
- Normal Sexual Function: 27 – 36
Psychometric Properties
Internal Consistency: The scale has demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency with reported Cronbach’s alpha values of Cronbach's alpha > 0.80 for all subscales.
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.