Scale Overview
The Sexual Excitation/Sexual Inhibition Inventory for Women and Men – SESII-W/M was developed by Robin R. Milhausen, Cynthia A. Graham, Stephanie A. Sanders (2010). It is designed to measure Sexual Excitation and Sexual Inhibition. The scale is intended for use with Adults.
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 30 items organized into 6 factors/subscales: Inhibitory Cognitions, Relationship Importance, Arousability, Partner Characteristics and Behaviors, Setting (Unusual or Unconcealed), Dyadic Elements of the Sexual Interaction.
| Factor / Subscale |
Items |
N |
| Inhibitory Cognitions |
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 |
8 |
| Relationship Importance |
9,10,11,12,13 |
5 |
| Arousability |
14,15,16,17,18 |
5 |
| Partner Characteristics and Behaviors |
19,20,21,22,23 |
5 |
| Setting (Unusual or Unconcealed) |
24,25,26,27 |
4 |
| Dyadic Elements of the Sexual Interaction |
28,29,30 |
3 |
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a 4-point Likert scale (1 = Strongly Disagree to 4 = Strongly Agree).
The scale includes 3 reverse-scored items to reduce acquiescence bias.
Scoring
Items are scored by subscale, with each subscale sum representing a distinct dimension.
Total scores range from 1 to 4. Interpretation guidelines:
- Low Propensity: 1 – 2
- Moderate Propensity: 2 – 3
- High Propensity: 3 – 4
Psychometric Properties
Internal Consistency: The scale has demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency with reported Cronbach’s alpha values of Cronbach's alphas between .66 and .76.
Administration
The scale is self-administered and typically takes approximately 12 minutes to complete. It can be administered individually or in group settings. No special training is required for administration.