Scale Overview
The Female Sexual Function Index – FSFI was developed by Rosen, R., Brown, C., Heiman, J., Leiblum, S., Meston, C., Shabsigh, R., Ferguson, D., & D’Agostino, R. (2000). It is designed to measure Female sexual function. The scale is intended for use with Adult women.
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 / Almost always or always (pain), 2 = A few times / Low / Very difficult / Moderately dissatisfied / Most times (pain), 3 = Sometimes / Moderate / Difficult / About equally satisfied and dissatisfied / Sometimes (pain), 4 = Most times / High / Slightly difficult / Moderately satisfied / A few times (pain), 5 = Almost always or always / Very high / Not difficult / Very satisfied / Almost never or never (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 High internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha >= 0.82 across domains).
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.