Hurlbert Index of Sexual Compatibility Scale

Abstract

The Hurlbert Index of Sexual Compatibility (HISC) is a specialized psychological scale designed to measure the degree of congruence and satisfaction concerning sexual beliefs, values, and activities between intimate partners. Developed by David F. Hurlbert and colleagues in 1993, the HISC provides a quantitative assessment of the overall harmony or potential conflict present within a couple’s sexual relationship. It is a 25-item, self-report inventory primarily used in clinical and research settings focused on sexual health and relationship dynamics.

The scale is structured to identify specific areas of misalignment, such as differences in sexual desire levels, preferences, communication, and overall comfort, which are critical factors in maintaining long-term sexual compatibility and relationship satisfaction.

Keywords

Sexual Compatibility, Sexual Satisfaction, Dyadic Adjustment, Intimate Relationships, Sexual Dysfunction, Relationship Quality, Sexual Desire, Psychometric Scale.

Authors

David F. Hurlbert, L. C. White, R. D. Powell, C. Apt.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Hurlbert Index of Sexual Compatibility (HISC) is to quantify the level of perceived sexual congruence between individuals within a coupled relationship. It serves as a diagnostic and evaluative tool, allowing clinicians and researchers to pinpoint sources of sexual tension or incompatibility that may contribute to relationship distress or sexual problems, such as hypoactive sexual desire (HSD) or sexual dissatisfaction.

By measuring alignment across 25 specific dimensions—ranging from shared values and beliefs to frequency and specific preferences—the scale helps illuminate whether divergent expectations or lack of understanding are impeding mutual sexual fulfillment.

Construct

The HISC measures the psychological construct of Sexual Compatibility, defined as the perceived fit or alignment between partners concerning their sexual attitudes, behaviors, and expectations. This construct encompasses several key subdomains:

• Belief and Value Congruence: The extent to which partners share similar fundamental views on sex.
• Desire and Frequency Alignment: The degree to which partners’ levels of sexual interest and preferred frequency match.
• Behavioral and Preference Overlap: The extent to which partners enjoy the same specific sexual activities.
• Comfort and Attraction: The individual’s feeling of comfort and attraction toward the partner during sexual encounters.

A higher score on the HISC indicates greater perceived sexual compatibility and congruence, suggesting a lower likelihood of sexual conflict within the relationship.

Validity

While specific psychometric details often require reference to the original 1993 publication, the HISC is generally regarded as possessing adequate content validity. The items were developed based on clinical observation and common points of friction reported by couples experiencing sexual difficulties. Construct validity is typically supported by demonstrating expected correlations with other relevant measures.

Specifically, the HISC is expected to show a strong positive correlation (convergent validity) with established measures of overall relationship satisfaction and sexual function, and a strong negative correlation (discriminant validity) with measures of sexual distress or relationship conflict.

Reliability

The HISC demonstrates acceptable levels of internal consistency reliability, suggesting that the 25 items consistently measure the singular underlying construct of sexual compatibility. Reliability is typically assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, with studies often reporting coefficients well above the standard threshold of 0.80 for clinical instruments. This high internal consistency confirms that the scale items cohere effectively in assessing the perceived alignment of sexual life between partners.

Factor Analysis

The Hurlbert Index of Sexual Compatibility is frequently utilized as a unidimensional measure providing a single, global score of compatibility. However, initial factor analytic studies likely explored whether the 25 items clustered into distinct underlying factors. Potential factors suggested by the item content include:

• Sexual Communication and Conflict Resolution.
• Alignment of Sexual Drive/Desire.
• Behavioral Comfort and Mutual Satisfaction.

Although the scale is often scored as a total index, the underlying factor structure supports the multidimensional nature of sexual compatibility as a construct.

Instrument

Test Type: Self-report inventory / Psychometric Scale

Format: The scale consists of 25 items scored using a 5-point Likert-type scale. The response options are: all of the time (0); most of the time (+1); some of the time (+2); rarely (+3); never (+4). Items marked with (R) are reverse-scored to maintain consistency in interpretation (higher total score indicates greater compatibility).

Language Available: English (Original)

Population Group: Adults involved in intimate, coupled relationships.

Age Group: Adult (18+)

Population Details: The scale has been utilized in clinical samples, particularly those seeking therapy for sexual health issues, as well as in general population studies of dyadic sexual function.

Test Methodology: Administration is straightforward, requiring participants to rate how often each statement applies to their relationship. The total score is calculated by summing the scores of all 25 items after adjusting for the 15 reverse-scored items.

Keywords

Likert Scale, Psychometric Assessment, Orgasm Consistency Training, Sexual Conflict, Dyadic Sexual Function, Sexual Desire, Couples Therapy.

Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: Not publicly available or provided in the source material.

Affiliation Email addresses: [email protected] (Affiliation listed as U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at the time of publication).

Correspondence Address: David F. Hurlbert, 140 Farnworth Lane, Roswell, Georgia 30075.

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

Test Year: 1993

Permissions & Fee: Specific permissions and fee information are not provided in the source material. Researchers or clinicians interested in using the HISC are advised to contact the corresponding author, David F. Hurlbert, directly for current usage guidelines and licensing requirements.

Reference’s

Hurlbert, D. F., White, L. C., Powell, R. D., & Apt, C. (1993). Orgasm consistency training in the treatment of women reporting hypoactive sexual desire: An outcome comparison of women-only groups and couples-only groups. Journal of Behaviour Therapy & Experimental Psychiatry, 24, 3–13.

Items of the Hurlbert Index of Sexual Compatibility Scale

1. My sexual beliefs are similar to those of my partner. (R)

2. I think my partner understands me sexually. (R)

3. My partner and I share the same sexual likes and dislikes. (R)

4. I think my partner desires too much sex.

5. My partner is unwilling to do certain sexual things for me that I would like to experience.

6. I feel comfortable during sex with my partner. (R)

7. I am sexually attracted to my partner. (R)

8. My partner sexually pleases me. (R)

9. My partner and I argue about the sexual aspects of our relationship.

10. My partner and I share the same level of interest in sex. (R)

11. I feel uncomfortable engaging in some of the sexual activities that my partner desires.

12. When it comes to sex, my ideas and values are different from those of my partner.

13. I do not think I meet my partner’s sexual needs.

14. My partner and I enjoy the same sexual activities. (R)

15. When it comes to sex, my partner and I get along well. (R)

16. I think my partner is sexually attracted to me. (R)

17. My partner enjoys doing certain sexual things that I dislike.

18. It is hard for me to accept my partners’ views on sex.

19. In our relationship, my partner places too much importance on sex.

20. My partner and I disagree over the frequency in which we should have sex.

21. I have the same sexual values as my partner. (R)

22. My partner and I share similar sexual fantasies. (R)

23. When it comes to sex, my partner is unwilling to do certain things that I would like to experience.

24. I think I sexually satisfy my partner. (R)

25. My partner and I share about the same level of sexual desire. (R)

Note: This 25-item inventory is scored on the following 5-point Likert-type scale: all of the time (0); most of the time (+1); some of the time (+2); rarely (+3); never (+4). (R) indicates reverse-scored items.