Sexual Excitation/Sexual Inhibition Inventory for Women – SESII-W
Assesses the propensity for sexual excitation and sexual inhibition in women based on the dual control model.
Scale Development & Technical Details
Scale Overview
The Sexual Excitation/Sexual Inhibition Inventory for Women – SESII-W was developed by Cynthia A. Graham, Stephanie A. Sanders, Robin R. Milhausen (2006). It is designed to measure Sexual Excitation and Sexual Inhibition. The scale is intended for use with Women.
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 36 items organized into 8 factors/subscales: Relationship Importance, Sexual Power Dynamics, Setting (Unusual or Unconcealed), Partner Characteristics, Concerns about Sexual Function, Arousability, Smell, Arousal Contingency.
| Factor / Subscale | Items | N |
|---|---|---|
| Relationship Importance | 1,11,14,16,21,33 | 6 |
| Sexual Power Dynamics | 2,6,27,28 | 4 |
| Setting (Unusual or Unconcealed) | 3,4,7,13 | 4 |
| Partner Characteristics | 5,8,10,12 | 4 |
| Concerns about Sexual Function | 9,18,29,31 | 4 |
| Arousability | 15,17,19,20,24,25,26,30,32 | 9 |
| Smell | 22,23 | 2 |
| Arousal Contingency | 34,35,36 | 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 .63 and .80 for subscales.
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.