Double Standard Scale

Abstract

The Double Standard Scale (DSS) is a brief, specialized psychometric instrument designed to quantify an individual’s level of acceptance and adherence to the traditional sexual double standard. Developed by Caron, Davis, Halteman, and Stickle (1993), the scale consists of 10 items utilizing a 5-point Likert format, ranging from 1 (Strongly Agree) to 5 (Strongly Disagree).

The instrument yields a total score between 10 and 50 points, with lower scores indicating a stronger acceptance of traditional gender-based disparities in sexual expectations. The DSS has primarily been used in research involving college students and requires approximately five minutes for completion.

Keywords

Sexual Double Standard, Sex Roles, Gender Attitudes, Psychometrics, Traditionalism, Condom Use, College Students, Sexual Behavior, Attitudes Towards Sex.

Authors

Sandra L. Caron (University of Maine), Clive M. Davis (Syracuse University), William A. Halteman (University of Maine), Marla Stickle (University of Maine).

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Purpose

The primary objective of the Double Standard Scale (DSS) is to provide a reliable measure of an individual’s acceptance of the traditional sexual double standard. This construct is rooted in societal norms that apply different, often unequal, sets of moral standards or expectations to men and women regarding sexual activity.

The scale is utilized in research settings to assess how these internalized standards correlate with various sexual behaviors, attitudes towards gender roles, and sexual health practices, such as the use of condoms.

Construct

The DSS measures the psychological construct defined as the acceptance of the traditional sexual double standard. This construct encompasses the belief system where men are socially permitted or even encouraged to engage in premarital or casual sexual activity (e.g., having multiple partners), while women who engage in similar behaviors are subjected to social stigma, moral judgment, or reduced desirability as partners.

The items within the scale target specific manifestations of this standard, including expectations regarding sexual experience, preparation for sexual encounters, and initiating sexual activity, thereby capturing the degree of adherence to these differential sex role norms.

Validity

The scale possesses clear face validity, as the content of the 10 items directly addresses traditional gendered expectations and biases regarding sexual roles and behaviors. Researchers can readily interpret the items as reflective of the double standard construct.

Beyond face validity, Caron et al. (1993) reported evidence consistent with expectations about the scale’s ability to predict behavior. Specifically, scores on the DSS were found to correlate predictably with attitudes and behaviors related to condom use among the study population. This finding provides initial evidence of criterion-related validity, suggesting that individuals who hold a strong double standard exhibit expected differences in sexual health practices compared to those who reject the standard.

Reliability

The internal consistency of the Double Standard Scale was assessed during its initial validation. In the 1993 study involving a sample of 330 college students (both men and women), the summed scores across the 10 items yielded a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.72.

A Cronbach’s alpha of 0.72 indicates acceptable internal reliability for a scale used in psychological research, suggesting that the items consistently measure the underlying construct of acceptance of the sexual double standard.

Factor Analysis

Information regarding a formal exploratory or confirmatory factor analysis (EFA or CFA) for the Double Standard Scale was not explicitly detailed in the foundational 1993 publication by Caron and colleagues. The scale is typically treated as a unidimensional measure, summing all items to provide a singular score reflecting adherence to the double standard.

While the scale’s brevity and focused construct suggest unidimensionality, further psychometric studies utilizing factor analysis would be necessary to formally confirm the underlying factor structure and ensure that the items load exclusively onto the intended construct.

Instrument

Test Type: Self-report attitude inventory.

Format: 10 items arranged in a 5-point Likert format. Response options range from (1) Strongly Agree to (5) Strongly Disagree. Item 8 is reverse scored.

Language Available: English (Original validation language).

Population Group: Non-clinical individuals interested in sexual attitudes and gender roles.

Age Group: Young adults (typically 18-24 years old).

Population Details: The scale was initially validated on a sample of 330 college men and women.

Test Methodology: Paper-and-pencil self-administration. Respondents circle the appropriate number. The total administration time is brief, averaging approximately five minutes.

Keywords

Sexual Double Standard, Gender Roles, Attitudes, Psychometrics, Cronbach’s alpha, Sexual Behavior, College Students, Sexual Health, Condom Use.

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Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: Not specified in source materials.

Affiliation Email addresses: [email protected] (Primary Author, Sandra L. Caron).

Correspondence Address: Sandra L. Caron, Human Development, University of Maine, 5749 Merrill Hall, Orono, ME 04469.

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

Test Year: 1993 (Year of foundational publication).

Permissions and Fee: The scale was published in an academic journal, suggesting it is generally available for non-commercial academic research purposes. Researchers should contact the primary author, Sandra L. Caron, for formal permission regarding specific research or clinical applications.

Reference’s

• Caron, S. L., Davis, C. M., Halteman, W. A., & Stickle, M. (1993). Predictors of condom related behaviors among first-year college students. The Journal of Sex Research, 30, 252–259.

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Items of the Double Standard Scale

Instructions: Please circle your response to the following questions regarding your attitudes about the sex roles of men and women. Please keep in mind that there are no right or wrong answers. Please answer honestly.

1 = Strongly Agree

2 = Agree

3 = Undecided

4 = Disagree

5 = Strongly Disagree‌

1. 1 2 3 4 5 1. It is expected that a woman be less sexually experienced than her partner.
2. 1 2 3 4 5 2. A woman who is sexually active is less likely to be considered a desirable partner.
3. 1 2 3 4 5 3. A woman should never appear to be prepared for a sexual encounter.
4. 1 2 3 4 5 4. It is important that the men be sexually experienced so as to teach the women.
5. 1 2 3 4 5 5. A “good” woman would never have a one-night stand, but it is expected of a man.
6. 1 2 3 4 5 6. It is important for a man to have multiple sexual experiences in order to gain experience.
7. 1 2 3 4 5 7. In sex the man should take the dominant role and the woman should assume the passive role.
8. 1 2 3 4 5 8. It is acceptable for a woman to carry condoms. (Reverse Scored)
9. 1 2 3 4 5 9. It is worse for a woman to sleep around than it is for a man.
10. 1 2 3 4 5 10. It is up to the man to initiate sex.