Affective and Motivational Orientation Related to Erotic Arousal Questionnaire

Abstract

The Affective and Motivational Orientation Related to Erotic Arousal Questionnaire (AMORE) is a self-report questionnaire, developed by Craig A. Hill, designed to measure individual differences in eight core dispositional sexual motives. These motives are conceptualized within the theoretical framework of intrinsic sexual motivation, which concerns the inherent gratification derived from sexual expression. The instrument comprises 62 statements, refined from an initial pool of 101 items through a theory-driven process supported by empirical testing. Principal components analysis confirmed the existence of the eight hypothesized motive dimensions across multiple independent samples of college students, establishing the structural integrity of the scale.

Keywords

Sexual Motivation, Erotic Arousal, Dispositional Sexual Motives, Intrinsic Motivation, Sexual Behavior, Relationship Satisfaction, Psychological Assessment, AMORE.

Authors

Craig A. Hill, Leslie K. Preston (acknowledged contributor).

Purpose

The primary purpose of the AMORE is to quantitatively assess individual variations in eight core dispositional sexual motives. These motives represent relatively stable interests in achieving specific gratification outcomes associated with sexual interactions, which are conceptually rooted in the theoretical framework of intrinsic sexual motivation.

The scale aims to provide researchers and clinicians with a robust tool for understanding the underlying reasons individuals engage in sexual behavior, moving beyond simple frequency measures to explore the affective and motivational orientations driving erotic arousal and activity (Hill & Preston, 1996).

Construct

The scale is grounded in the construct of intrinsic sexual motivation, defined as the desire for or interest in outcomes that are inherently part of sexual expression and cannot be experienced outside of sexual behavior. A dispositional sexual motive, the scale’s core unit of measurement, is a relatively stable psychological interest in a specific gratification derived from sexual interaction.

The eight distinct sexual motives measured by the AMORE are:

• The desire to feel valued by one’s partner.
• The desire to express value for one’s partner.
• The desire to obtain relief from negative emotional states (Relief from Stress).
• The desire to provide nurturance and comfort to one’s partner.
• The desire to enhance one’s power (Expression of Power).
• The desire to experience the power of one’s partner (Partner’s Power).
• The desire to experience sensuality and physical pleasure.
• The desire to procreate.

Validity

Extensive research supports the validity of the eight AMORE subscales. Both convergent validity and divergent validity were established by correlating AMORE scores with measures of theoretically related and unrelated psychological constructs, respectively (Hill & Preston, 1996).

The distinctiveness of the eight motives was empirically confirmed using role-played sexual scenarios. Respondents’ reported likelihood of engaging in sexual behavior within a situation designed to target a specific motive correlated most strongly with the corresponding AMORE subscale score (Hill, 1997b, 2002). Furthermore, the subscales demonstrate criterion validity by correlating with actual differences in sexual behavior, contraception use, attraction to potential partners, and specific sexual fantasies (Hill, 2005, 2007a, 2007b).

Specific motives, such as Valued by Partner and Value for Partner, have been linked to positive outcomes, including greater sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, and relationship commitment, showing predictive validity over time (Hill, 1997a, 1998). Additionally, many of the AMORE subscales correlate predictably with measures of attachment anxiety (Davis, Shaver, & Vernon, 2004; Schachner & Shaver, 2004).

Reliability

The reliability of the AMORE subscales is consistently high, particularly concerning internal consistency. Across a number of research samples, the internal consistency coefficients (Cronbach’s alphas) have demonstrated strong stability.

These coefficients typically range from .76, observed for the Procreation subscale, up to .94 for the Relief From Stress and Partner Power subscales. The majority of the subscale alpha coefficients regularly exceed the threshold of .85, indicating excellent internal homogeneity across the items measuring each dispositional motive (Hill, 1997b, 2002; Hill & Preston, 1996).

Factor Analysis

The development of the 62-item AMORE instrument was guided by a theory-driven process combined with rigorous statistical validation. An initial pool of 101 statements, conceptually representing the eight theoretical sexual motives, was constructed to convey the theoretical essence of each motive.

A Principal components analysis (PCA) was conducted on responses from an initial sample of 612 college students. This analysis confirmed the existence of the hypothesized eight motive dimensions for 62 of the items; 39 items were eliminated due to low factor loadings or loading highly on more than one factor.

The stability of this eight-factor structure was further confirmed by replicating the factor analysis separately on two additional independent samples of college students (Ns = 586 and 396). Both subsequent analyses produced solutions highly similar to the initial findings, confirming the presence of eight stable factors underlying the measurement of dispositional sexual motives.

Instrument

Test Type: Self-report questionnaire

Format: 62 statements rated on a 5-point Likert-type scale. The anchors are labeled “Not at all True” (A), “Moderately True” (C, the midpoint), and “Completely True” (E).

Language Available: English

Population Group: Adults

Age Group: Young Adult to Adult (Validated primarily on college student populations)

Population Details: Initial validation was conducted on multiple large samples of college students (N=612, N=586, N=396). The instrument has also been employed with non-college student samples.

Test Methodology: Historically administered via paper using Scantron sheets; more recent research utilizes computer software (e.g., MediaLab) for electronic response recording. Scoring involves converting letter responses to numeric values (A=1, E=5) and summing item values for the eight subscales. Item 21 is reverse-coded.

Keywords

Self-Report, Psychological Scale, Sexual Satisfaction, Relationship Commitment, Power Motive, Nurturance Motive, Procreation, Internal Consistency, Principal Components Analysis.

Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: Not specified in source material.

Affiliation Email addresses: [email protected]

Correspondence Address: Craig Hill, Department of Psychology, IPFW, Fort Wayne, IN 46805.

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

The primary theoretical foundation and initial scale development (Hill & Preston, 1996) occurred in the mid-1990s. Users should contact the primary author, Craig A. Hill, for specific permissions regarding the use of the scale and any associated fees.

Reference’s

• Davis, D., Shaver, P. R., & Vernon, M. L. (2004). Attachment style and subjective motivations for sex. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 30, 1076–1090.
• Hill, C. A. (1997a, August). Dispositional sexual motives and relationship quality. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Psychological Association, Chicago, IL.
• Hill, C. A. (1997b). The distinctiveness of sexual motives in relation to sexual desire and desirable partner attributes. The Journal of Sex Research, 34, 139–153.
• Hill, C. A. (1998, May). Sexual motivation, romantic attraction, and intimate relationships. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Midwestern Psychological Association, Chicago, IL.
• Hill, C. A. (2002). Gender, relationships stage, and sexual behavior: The importance of partner emotional investment within specific situations. The Journal of Sex Research, 39, 228–240.
• Hill, C. A. (2005, August). Romantic and sexual interest as a function of dispositional sexual motives. Paper presented at the Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, Washington, DC.
• Hill, C. A. (2007a, May). Sexual fantasies relate to the theoretically most relevant dispositional sexual motives. Paper presented at the Annual Convention of the Association for Psychological Science, Washington, DC.
• Hill, C. A. (2007b, November). Sexual interest in casual and newly acquainted partners relative to sexual motivation and relationship status. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality, Indianapolis, IN.
• Hill, C. A., & Preston, L. K. (1996). Individual differences in the experience of sexual motivation: Theory and measurement of dispositional sexual motives. The Journal of Sex Research, 33, 27–45.
• Schachner, D. A., & Shaver, P. R. (2004). Attachment dimensions and sexual motives. Personal Relationships, 11, 179–195.

Items of the Affective and Motivational Orientation Related to Erotic Arousal Questionnaire

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

Please be extremely honest and think about yourself very carefully when responding to each statement!

There are no right or wrong answers.

This questionnaire asks you about reasons that you typically experience sexual feelings or that you become interested in sexual issues or behaviors. When you experience these feelings or interests, you may or may not always act on those feelings. “Sex,” “having sex,” or “sexual activity” can include sexual behavior with another person (e.g., your spouse or lover), as well as sexual behavior by yourself (e.g., masturbation, viewing or reading erotic materials). “Partner” can refer to either your spouse or regular romantic partner or any individual with whom you have sex. If you have never had sex or are not currently involved sexually with anyone, respond to the statements below like you think you would feel if you were involved in a sexual relationship or were sexually active.

Not all reasons for being interested in sexual issues or sexual behavior may be listed below. Many of the reasons included may not describe you well at all. If this is the case, please indicate that they are not true for you when rating them.

If a particular statement describes your typical reaction or feelings well, indicate that it is Completely True” by filling in the letter “E” on the computer sheet. If a particular statement does not describe you well or is opposite of the way you feel, indicate that it is “Not at all True” by filling in the letter “A” on the computer sheet. Of course, you may choose any letter in between A and E to indicate the degree to which the statement describes you or not.

Please use the rating scale below to indicate how true or descriptive each of following statements is for you:

1. Often when I need to feel loved, I have the desire to relate to my partner sexually because sexual intimacy really makes me feel warm and cared for.

2. I enjoy having sex most intensely when I know that it will lift my partner’s spirits and improve his or her outlook on life.

3. When bad or frustrating things happen to me, many times I feel like engaging in sexual fantasy or doing something sexual to try to get to feeling better.

4. Sex is important to me largely for reproductive reasons.

5. Sexual activities and fantasies are most stimulating when my partner seems extremely self-assured and demanding during sex.

6. I find that I often feel a sense of superiority and power when I am expressing myself sexually.

7. One of the most exciting aspects of sex is the sense of power I feel in controlling the sexual pleasure and stimulation my partner experiences.

8. Often while I am engaging in sex or fantasy, the idea that children might result from sexual behavior is extremely arousing.

9. Frequently, when I want to feel that I am cared for and that someone is concerned about me, relating to my partner sexually is one of the most satisfying ways to do so.

10. Often the most pleasurable sex I have is when it helps my partner forget about his or her problems and enjoy life a little more.

11. I find sexual behavior and sexual fantasy most exciting when I can feel forceful and dominant with my partner.

12. Thinking about sex or engaging in sex sometimes seems to help me keep on going when things get rough.

13. It is frequently very arousing when my partner gets very forceful and aggressive during sex.

14. I frequently want to have sex with my partner when I need him or her to notice me and appreciate me.

15. I especially enjoy sex when my partner and I are trying to have a baby.

16. Often engaging in sex with my partner makes me feel like I have established myself as a force to be reckoned with.

17. A major reason I enjoy having sex with my partner is because I can communicate how much I care for and value him or her.

18. The sensations of physical pleasure and release are major reasons that sexual activity and fantasy are so important to me.

19. Sex and sexual fantasies are most exciting when I feel like my partner has totally overpowered me and has taken complete control.

20. When I am going through difficult times, I can start feeling better simply by engaging in some type of sexual fantasy or behavior.

21. The idea of having children is not very significant in my feelings about why sexual activity is important to me.

22. In many ways, I think engaging in sex and sexual fantasy are some of the most exciting and satisfying activities I can experience.

23. Many times it is extremely thrilling when my partner takes complete charge and begins to tell me what to do during sex.

24. I really value sexual activity as a way of enjoying myself and adding an element of adventure to my life.

25. Often I have a real need to feel dominated and possessed by my partner while we are engaged in sex or sexual fantasy.

26. One of the best ways of feeling like an important part of my partner’s life is by relating to him or her sexually.

27. I find that thinking about or engaging in sexual activity can frequently help me get through unpleasant times in my life.

28. I often feel like fantasizing about sex or expressing myself sexually when life isn’t going very well and I want to feel better about myself.

29. Engaging in sexual activity is a very important way for me to experience and appreciate the personal strength and forcefulness that my partner is capable of.

30. I find it extremely exciting to be playful and to have fun when I am expressing myself sexually.

31. Thinking about sex or engaging in sexual behavior can frequently be a source of relief from stress and pressure for me.

32. I would prefer to have sex primarily when I am interested in having a child.

33. Often when my partner is feeling down on life or is unhappy about something, I like to try to make him or her feel better by sharing intimacy together sexually.

34. The experience of sexual tension and energy are in many ways the most thrilling and important aspects of sexual activity and fantasy.

35. I often feel like having sex with my partner when I need to feel understood and when I want to relate to him or her on a one-to-one level.

36. When I need to feel a sense of belongingness and connectedness, having sex with my partner is really an important way of relating to him or her.

37. Doing something sexual often seems to greatly improve my outlook on life when nothing seems to be going right.

38. I frequently feel like expressing my need for emotional closeness and intimacy by engaging in sexual behavior or fantasy with my sexual partner.

39. Many times when I am feeling unhappy or depressed, thinking about sex or engaging in sexual activity will make me feel better.

40. When things are not going well, thinking about sex or doing something sexual is often very uplifting for me and helps me to forget about my problems for a while.

41. Engaging in sexual activity is very important to me as a means of feeling powerful and charismatic.

42. One of the main reasons I am interested in sex is for the purpose of having children.

43. The sense of emotional bonding with my partner during sexual intercourse is an important way of feeling close to him or her.

44. One of the most satisfying aspects of engaging in sex is expressing the intensity of my feelings for my partner while we are having sex.

45. I often have a strong need to fantasize about sex or to do something sexual when I feel upset or unhappy.

46. I really enjoy having sex as a way of exerting dominance and control over my partner.

47. I often find it a real turn-on when my partner takes charge and becomes authoritative during sexual activity or fantasy.

48. I am often very excited by the sense of power that I feel I have over my partner when I am sexually attractive to him or her.

49. Being able to experience my partner’s physical excitement and sexual release is incredibly thrilling and stimulating for me.

50. I find it very exciting when my partner becomes very demanding and urgent during sex and sexual fantasy, as if he or she needs to possess me completely.

51. I frequently become very aroused when I sense that my partner is excited by controlling and directing our sexual activity or fantasy.

52. I frequently want to have sex with my partner because I know how much he or she enjoys it and how good it makes my partner feel as a person.

53. Expressing myself sexually generally makes me feel personally strong and in control of things.

54. I am especially excited by the feeling of domination and being controlled by my partner during sex and sexual fantasy.

55. One of the most satisfying features of sex is when my partner really seems to need the love and tenderness it conveys.

56. Often the sense of power that I have over my sexual partner can be extremely exhilarating.

57. I find it very rewarding when I can help my partner get through rough times by showing how much I care and being sexually intimate with him or her.

58. I frequently find it quite arousing to be very directive and controlling while having sex with my partner.

59. Sexual intercourse is important in creating a great deal of emotional closeness in my relationship with my partner.

60. Sharing affection and love during sexual intercourse is one of the most intense and rewarding ways of expressing my concern for my partner.

61. The sense of emotional closeness I experience from having sex with my partner is one of the most satisfying ways I know of feeling valued.

62. To me, an extremely rewarding aspect of having sex is that it can make my partner feel good about himself or herself.