Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales

Abstract

The Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales (SIS/SES) are a psychometric instrument designed to assess an individual’s inherent propensity for sexual inhibition and sexual excitation. The scales are theoretically grounded in the Dual Control Model of sexual response (Bancroft & Janssen, 2000), which postulates that sexual behavior and response are regulated by two independent neurophysiological systems: one excitatory (SES) and one inhibitory (SIS).

While originally developed and validated for men, the SIS/SES has been successfully adapted and validated for use in female populations. The scale outcomes have proven to be significant predictors of crucial aspects of sexual health, including sexual arousal and desire, overall sexual functioning, and various sexual behaviors such as sexual risk-taking, sexual compulsivity, sexual aggression, and infidelity. The SIS component is further divided into two distinct factors relating to different types of threat.

Keywords

Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales, SIS/SES, Dual Control Model, Sexual Excitation, Sexual Inhibition, Sexual Functioning, Psychometric Assessment, Dual Control Model.

Authors

Erick Janssen, John Bancroft, Cynthia A. Graham, Deanna L. Carpenter.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales (SIS/SES) is to quantify an individual’s inherent tendency towards sexual inhibition and sexual excitation. By measuring these two distinct propensities, the scale provides a standardized assessment tool for researchers and clinicians working within the framework of the Dual Control Model.

The scale aids in understanding the cognitive and emotional factors that dictate an individual’s sexual response, helping to explain why certain individuals may be prone to high sexual risk-taking (high SES, low SIS) or, conversely, why others experience sexual difficulties stemming from performance anxiety or contextual threats (high SIS). The overall goal is to predict sexual response patterns more accurately than traditional measures focusing only on sexual drive.

Construct

The SIS/SES measures the core constructs of the Dual Control Model. This model views sexual response not as a simple reflex, but as a continuous interplay between the Sexual Excitation System (SES) and the Sexual Inhibition System (SIS).

The scale measures three distinct factors:

• Sexual Excitation (SES): Measures the propensity to become sexually aroused in response to a wide variety of stimuli (e.g., social, visual, tactile, imaginary).
• Inhibition Due to Threat of Performance Failure (SIS1): Measures inhibition resulting from intrapersonal threats, particularly concerns related to one’s own sexual performance or focus (e.g., difficulty maintaining an erection, worry about pleasing a partner).
• Inhibition Due to Threat of Performance Consequences (SIS2): Measures inhibition triggered by interpersonal or external threats, such as perceived danger, risk of unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, or social exposure (e.g., being heard or seen by others).

Validity

The validity of the SIS/SES has been assessed through both discriminant and convergent analyses, demonstrating that the questionnaire primarily measures propensities specific to sexual responsivity, differentiating it from general personality traits.

Studies found only a small degree of overlap with broader personality measures. For instance, the SES scale was modestly related to reward responsivity, while the SIS scales (especially SIS2) showed correlations with measures of behavioral inhibition and Neuroticism. This limited overlap supports the conceptualization of SIS/SES as a measure of sex-specific traits. Correlations between SES and SIS factors were consistently low (e.g., SES-SIS1: r = −.07), confirming that sexual excitation and inhibition systems are largely independent, as posited by the Dual Control Model.

Reliability

The reliability of the SIS/SES has been established through high internal consistency across multiple samples and acceptable test-retest correlations over time.

Internal Consistency: Cronbach alpha scores for the three primary factors were consistently strong. For the three male samples (Janssen et al., 2002a), the scores were: SES (ranging from .88 to .89), SIS1 (ranging from .78 to .83), and SIS2 (ranging from .69 to .75). For women (Carpenter et al., 2008), the corresponding alphas were .87 for SES, .76 for SIS1, and .70 for SIS2.

Test-Retest Reliability: Test-retest correlations were computed for men (N=50, 7 weeks interval) and women (N=51, 5 weeks interval). For men, the correlations were .76 (SES), .67 (SIS1), and .74 (SIS2). For women, the correlations were .70 (SES), .68 (SIS1), and .60 (SIS2, after removing two outliers), indicating stable measurement over time.

Factor Analysis

Scale development employed a facet design approach, ensuring comprehensive coverage of various stimuli and response types. The initial factor analysis of 408 heterosexual men identified 10 primary factors. However, a subsequent higher-level factor analysis supported a robust three-factor structure aligned with the Dual Control Model.

This higher-order structure distinguished the single excitation factor (SES) from two distinct inhibition factors (SIS1 and SIS2). These three factors together accounted for 60% of the variance, with strong factor loadings (.6 to .9). Multigroup Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFA) across multiple male samples, and later studies involving women, further supported the stability and generalizability of this three-factor structure, confirming that the scale accurately measures the theorized components of sexual excitation and inhibition.

Instrument

Test Type: Self-report questionnaire / Psychometric scale

Format: 45 items using a 4-point Likert scale (1 = Strongly Agree to 4 = Strongly Disagree). Most items are phrased in an “if-then” conditional format.

Language Available: English (Original development language).

Population Group: Adults (validated for use in both male and female samples, particularly heterosexual populations).

Age Group: Adult (Validation samples included mean ages ranging from 19 to 46 years).

Population Details: Validation studies involved large samples of sexually functional, heterosexual men (N=408, N=459, N=313) and heterosexual women (N=1,067).

Test Methodology: Respondents rate their “most likely reaction” to hypothetical sexual scenarios. The administration time is approximately 10 minutes. Scoring requires reversal of most items before summing scores for SES (20 items), SIS1 (14 items), and SIS2 (11 items).

Keywords

Sexual Excitation System, Sexual Inhibition System, SIS1, SIS2, SES, Dual Control Model, Psychophysiology of Sex, Sexual Risk-Taking, Cronbach’s alpha, Confirmatory Factor Analysis.

Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: Not provided in source content.

Affiliation Email addresses: [email protected] (Erick Janssen).

Correspondence Address: Erick Janssen, The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction, Indiana University, Morrison Hall 313, 1165 East Third Street, Bloomington, Indiana 47405-3700.

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

Permissions and Fees: The SIS/SES scale, supplementary documentation, and an SPSS file for scoring are available online at http://www.indiana.edu/~sexlab. There are no fees attached to its use for research or clinical purposes.

Test Year: The scale was initially published and validated in 2002 (Janssen et al., 2002a, 2002b).

Reference’s

Bancroft, J., Graham, C, Janssen, E., & Sanders, S. (2009). The dual control model: Current status and future directions. The Journal of Sex Research, 46, 121–142.

Bancroft, J., & Janssen, E. (2000). The dual control model of male sexual response: A theoretical approach to centrally mediated erectile dysfunction. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 24, 571–579.

Carpenter, D. L., Janssen, E., Graham, C. A., Vorst, H., & Wicherts, J. (2008). Women’s scores on the Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales (SIS/SES): Gender similarities and differences. The Journal of Sex Research, 45, 36–48.

Holm, S. (1979). A simple sequentially rejective multiple test procedure. Scandinavian Journal of Statistics, 6, 65–70.

Janssen, E., & Bancroft, J. (2007). The dual control model: The role of sexual inhibition and excitation in sexual arousal and behavior. In E. Janssen (Ed.), The psychophysiology of sex (pp. 197–222). Bloomington: Indiana University Press.

Janssen, E., Vorst, H., Finn, P., & Bancroft, J. (2002a). The Sexual Inhibition (SIS) and Sexual Excitation (SES) Scales: I. Measuring sexual inhibition and excitation proneness in men. The Journal of Sex Research, 39, 114–126.

Janssen, E., Vorst, H., Finn, P., & Bancroft, J. (2002b). The Sexual Inhibition (SIS) and Sexual Excitation (SES) Scales: II. Predicting psychophysiological response patterns. The Journal of Sex Research, 39, 127–132.

Shye, S., & Elizur, D. (1994). Introduction to facet theory: Content design and intrinsic data analysis in behavioral research. Thousand Oaks, California: Sage.

Items of the Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales

IMPORTANT: The following scale items must be preserved in their original language and must not be changed in any way.

Instructions: In this questionnaire you will find statements about how you might react to various sexual situations, activities, or behaviors. Obviously, how you react will often depend on the circumstances, but we are interested in what would be the most likely reaction for you. Please read each statement carefully and decide how you would be most likely to react. Then circle the number that corresponds with your answer. Please try to respond to every statement. Sometimes you may feel that none of the responses seems completely accurate. Sometimes you may read a statement which you feel is “not applicable.” In these cases, please circle a response which you would choose if it were applicable to you. In many statements you will find words describing reactions such as “sexually aroused,” or sometimes just “aroused.” With these words we mean to describe “feelings of sexual excitement,” feeling “sexually stimulated,” “horny,” “hot,” or “turned on.” Don’t think too long before answering; please give your first reaction. Try not to skip any questions. Try to be as honest as possible.

1. When I look at erotic pictures, I easily become sexually aroused. SES_2

2. If I feel that I am being rushed, I am unlikely to get very aroused. SIS2_3

3. If I am on my own watching a sexual scene in a film, I quickly become sexually aroused. SES_2

4. Sometimes I become sexually aroused just by lying in the sun/Sometimes just lying in the sun sexually SES_4 arouses me.

5. Putting on a condom can cause me to lose my erection/Using condoms or other safe-sex products SIS1_1 can cause me to lose my arousal.

6. When a sexually attractive stranger accidentally touches me, I easily become aroused. SES_1

7. When I have a quiet candlelight dinner with someone I find sexually attractive, I get aroused. SES_1

8. If there is a risk of unwanted pregnancy, I am unlikely to get sexually aroused. SIS2_2

9. I need my penis to be touched to maintain an erection/I need my clitoris to be stimulated to SIS1_1 continue feeling aroused.

10. When I am having sex, I have to focus on my own sexual feelings in order to keep my erection/stay SIS1_1 aroused.

11. When I feel sexually aroused, I usually have an erection/I usually have a genital response (e.g., vaginal lubrication, being wet). SES_3

12. If I am having sex in a secluded, outdoor place and I think that someone is nearby, I am not likely to SIS2_1 get very aroused.

13. When I see someone I find attractive dressed in a sexy way, I easily become sexually aroused. SES_1

14. When I think someone sexually attractive wants to have sex with me, I quickly become sexually SES_1 aroused.

15. If I discovered that someone I find sexually attractive is too young, I would have difficulty getting SIS2_3 sexually aroused with him/her.

16. When I talk to someone on the telephone who has a sexy voice, I become sexually aroused. SES_1

17. When I notice that my partner is sexually aroused, my own arousal becomes stronger. [This item should not be recoded] SIS1_2

18. If my new sexual partner does not want to use a condom, I am unlikely to stay aroused/If my new sexual partner does not want to use a condom/safe-sex product, I am unlikely to stay aroused. SIS2_2

19. I cannot get aroused unless I focus exclusively on sexual stimulation. SIS1_1

20. If I feel that I’m expected to respond sexually, I have difficulty getting aroused. SIS1_3

21. If I am concerned about pleasing my partner sexually, I easily lose my erection/If I am concerned about pleasing my partner sexually, it interferes with my arousal. SIS1_2

22. If I am masturbating on my own and I realize that someone is likely to come into the room at any moment, I will lose my erection/my sexual arousal. SIS2_1

23. It is difficult to become sexually aroused unless I fantasize about a very arousing situation. SIS1_1

24. If I can be heard by others while having sex, I am unlikely to stay sexually aroused. SIS2_1

25. Just thinking about a sexual encounter I have had is enough to turn me on sexually. SES_3

26. When I am taking a shower or a bath, I easily become sexually aroused. SES_4

27. If I realize there is a risk of catching a sexually transmitted disease, I am unlikely to stay sexually aroused SIS2_2

28. If I can be seen by others while having sex, I am unlikely to stay sexually aroused. SIS2_1

29. If I am with a group of people watching an X-rated film, I quickly become sexually aroused. SES_2

30. When a sexually attractive stranger looks me straight in the eye, I become aroused/When a sexually attractive stranger makes eye-contact with me, I become aroused. SES_1

31. If I think that having sex will cause me pain, I will lose my erection/my arousal. SIS2_3

32. When I wear something I feel attractive in, I am likely to become sexually aroused. SES_4

33. If I think that I might not get an erection, then I am less likely to get one/If I am worried about being too dry, I am less likely to get lubricated. SIS1_3

34. If having sex will cause my partner pain, I am unlikely to stay sexually aroused. SIS2_3

35. When I think of a very attractive person, I easily become sexually aroused. SES_1

36. Once I have an erection, I want to start intercourse right away before I lose my erection/Once I am sexually aroused, I want to start intercourse right away before I lose my arousal. SIS1_1

37. When I start fantasizing about sex, I quickly become sexually aroused. SES_3

38. When I see others engaged in sexual activities, I feel like having sex myself. SES_2

39. When I see an attractive person, I start fantasizing about having sex with him/her. SES_1

40. When I have a distracting thought, I easily lose my erection/my arousal. SIS1_1

41. I often rely on fantasies to help me maintain an erection/my sexual arousal. SIS1_1

42. If I am distracted by hearing music, television, or a conversation, I am unlikely to stay aroused. SIS1_3

43. When I feel interested in sex, I usually get an erection/I usually have a genital response (e.g., vaginal lubrication, being wet). SES_3

44. When an attractive person flirts with me, I easily become sexually aroused. SES_1

45. During sex, pleasing my partner sexually makes me more aroused. [This item should not be recoded] SIS1_2

Note. When different item versions are used for men and women, both versions are given (male/female). Answer categories are 1 = Strongly Agree, 2 = Agree, 3 = Disagree, 4 = Strongly Disagree.