The Multidimensional Sexual Self-Concept Questionnaire (MSSCQ)

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Abstract

The Multidimensional Sexual Self-Concept Questionnaire (MSSCQ) is a robust, 100-item psychometric instrument designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s Sexual Self-Concept. Developed by W. E. Snell, Jr., the MSSCQ moves beyond traditional unidimensional measures by evaluating 20 distinct facets of sexuality. These facets capture the affective, cognitive, and behavioral dimensions critical to understanding how individuals perceive, evaluate, and actively manage their sexual lives. The scale is widely utilized in clinical and research settings focused on areas such as sexual health, relationship dynamics, and the prediction of high-risk sexual behaviors.

Keywords

Multidimensional Sexual Self-Concept Questionnaire, MSSCQ, Sexual Self-Concept, Sexual Self-Efficacy, Sexual Anxiety, Sexual Adjustment, Sexual Behavior, Sexual Self-Esteem, Psychological Measurement, Risk Avoidance.

Authors

W. E. Snell, Jr.

Purpose

The primary objective of the MSSCQ is to offer a finely detailed and nuanced measurement of the sexual self-concept. It is founded on the recognition that sexuality is not a single, monolithic construct but rather a complex interplay of various interacting psychological dimensions. By assessing 20 separate components, the scale provides researchers and clinicians with the necessary granularity to pinpoint specific vulnerabilities, strengths, and motivational drivers within an individual’s sexual life.

This instrument is essential for facilitating advanced research into the antecedents and consequences of specific sexual attitudes and behaviors. For instance, it allows for the empirical examination of the relationship between Sexual Self-Esteem and sexual satisfaction, or the precise connection between Sexual Anxiety and relationship distress. Ultimately, the MSSCQ provides a sophisticated framework for mapping the multidimensional nature of sexual identity and adjustment.

Construct

The MSSCQ operationalizes the Sexual Self-Concept by measuring 20 theoretically derived dimensions, which collectively span motivational, affective, cognitive, and locus of control domains. The framework is deeply rooted in Social Cognitive Theory and established self-concept literature, positioning sexuality as a core component of identity that significantly influences emotional well-being and observable behavior.

The 20 subscales are systematically grouped into five overarching areas: sexual affect (e.g., anxiety, depression), sexual cognitions (e.g., monitoring, consciousness), sexual behaviors/motivation (e.g., assertiveness, preoccupation), sexual self-regulatory processes (e.g., problem prevention, management), and sexual locus of control (internal vs. external/chance). This structure allows for the simultaneous assessment of both positive aspects (e.g., optimism, self-efficacy) and negative aspects (e.g., fear, self-blame).

Validity

Formal assessments of validity, including evidence for both convergent and discriminant validity (which fall under construct validity), were integral to the scale’s initial development and subsequent publications. These studies provided strong statistical confirmation that the 20 subscales, while measuring theoretically unique facets of the sexual self-concept, are appropriately interrelated as components of a coherent larger system.

Further details regarding criterion-related validity—the extent to which scale scores relate to external criteria—are documented in the primary academic literature produced by Snell in 1997 and 1998, establishing the scale’s utility in predicting relevant outcomes such as sexual adjustment and risk behaviors.

Reliability

The reliability of the MSSCQ is primarily established through analysis of internal consistency for each of the 20 subscales. The standard statistical measure employed is Cronbach’s Alpha. Given the scale’s multidimensional design, high alpha coefficients are consistently reported for each individual 5-item subscale. This result confirms that the items comprising each factor reliably and consistently measure the intended, distinct dimension of the sexual self-concept.

Factor Analysis

The structural integrity of the MSSCQ is strongly supported by statistical evidence derived from extensive exploratory and/or confirmatory Factor Analysis (FA). This methodology was crucial in confirming the existence of 20 discrete, yet theoretically interconnected, factors. Each factor is defined by five specific items.

This robust, empirically confirmed factor structure is fundamental to the instrument’s value, distinguishing it significantly from scales that attempt to describe complex sexual self-perception using only a single factor or a limited set of dimensions.

Instrument

Test Type: Self-Report Psychological Scale

Format: 100 items scored on a 5-point Likert Scale, plus one optional contextual item (Item 101).

Language Available: English (Primary development language)

Population Group: General adult population

Age Group: Adolescents and Adults

Population Details: Applicable to individuals referencing a current, past, or imagined sexual relationship.

Test Methodology: Respondents are instructed to indicate the degree to which each statement is characteristic of them using a 5-point scale: A = Not at all characteristic of me, B = Slightly characteristic of me, C = Somewhat characteristic of me, D = Moderately characteristic of me, E = Very characteristic of me. Several items are designated as reverse-scored (R).

Keywords

Sexual Self-Esteem, Sexual Locus of Control, Sexual Motivation, Sexual Assertiveness, Sexual Monitoring, Sexual Preoccupation, Fear of Sex, Multidimensional Assessment, Psychometrics, Affective Components.

Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: Not provided in source material.

Affiliation Email addresses: Not provided in source material.

Correspondence Address: Not provided in source material.

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

The primary development, presentation, and initial validation of the MSSCQ took place between 1997 and 1998. Researchers or clinicians seeking to utilize the scale for academic or practical purposes must contact the author, W. E. Snell, Jr., to obtain specific permissions and inquire about any associated usage fees.

Additional information and the scale instrument were historically accessible online via the following resources: http://www4.semo.edu/snell/scales/MSSCQ.HTM and http://www4.semo.edu/snell/TESTING.HTM.

Reference’s

  • Snell, W. E., Jr. (1997). Measuring multiple aspects of the sexual self-concept: The Multidimensional Sexual Self-Concept Questionnaire (MSSCQ). Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Midwestern Psychological Association, Chicago, IL.

  • Snell, W. E., Jr. (1998). The Multidimensional Sexual Self-Concept Questionnaire. In C. M. Davis, W. L. Yarber, R. Bauseman, G. Schreer, and S. L. Davis (Eds.), Handbook of sexuality-related measures (521-524). Newbury Park: Sage.

Items of the The Multidimensional Sexual Self-Concept Questionnaire (MSSCQ)

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

  1. I feel anxious when I think about the sexual aspects of my life.

  2. I have the ability to take care of any sexual needs and desires that I may have.

  3. I am very aware of my sexual feelings and needs.

  4. I am motivated to avoid engaging in “risky” (i.e.‚ unprotected) sexual behavior.

  5. The sexual aspects of my life are determined mostly by chance happenings.

  6. I think about sex “all the time.”

  7. I’m very assertive about the sexual aspects of my life.

  8. I expect that the sexual aspects of my life will be positive and rewarding in the future.

  9. I would be to blame‚ if the sexual aspects of my life were not going very well.

  10. I notice how others perceive and react to the sexual aspects of my life.

  11. I’m motivated to be sexually active.

  12. If I were to experience a sexual problem‚ I myself would in control of whether this improved.

  13. I derive a sense of self-pride from the way I handle my own sexual needs and desires.

  14. I am satisfied with the way my sexual needs are currently being met.

  15. My sexual behaviors are determined largely by other more powerful and influential people.

  16. Not only would I be a good sexual partner‚ but it’s quite important to me that I be a good sexual partner.

  17. I am afraid of becoming sexual involved with another person.

  18. If I am careful‚ then I will be able to prevent myself from ha‎ving any sexual problems.

  19. I am depressed about the sexual aspects of my life.

  20. My sexuality is something that I am largely responsible for.

  21. I worry about the sexual aspects of my life.

  22. I am competent enough to make sure that my sexual needs are fulfilled.

  23. I am very aware of my sexual motivations and desires.

  24. I am motivated to keep myself from ha‎ving any “risky” sexual behavior (e.g.‚ exposure to sexual diseases).

  25. Most things that affect the sexual aspects of my life happen to me by accident.

  26. I think about sex more than anything else.

  27. I’m not very direct about voicing my sexual needs and preferences. (R)

  28. I believe that in the future the sexual aspects of my life will be healthy and positive.

  29. If the sexual aspects of my life were to go wrong‚ I would be the person to blame.

  30. I’m concerned with how others evaluate my own sexual beliefs and behaviors.

  31. I’m motivated to devote time and effort to sex.

  32. If I were to experiences a sexual problem‚ my own behavior would determine whether I improved.

  33. I am proud of the way I deal with and handle my own sexual desires and needs.

  34. I am satisfied with the status of my own sexual fulfillment.

  35. My sexual behaviors are largely controlled by people other than myself (e.g.‚ my partner‚ friends‚ family).

  36. Not only would I be a skilled sexual partner‚ but it’s very important to me that I be a skilled sexual partner.

  37. I have a fear of sexual relationships.

  38. I can pretty much prevent myself from developing sexual problems by taking good care of myself.

  39. I am disappointed about the quality of my sex life.

  40. The sexual aspects of my life are determined in large part by my own behavior.

  41. Thinking about the sexual aspects of my life often leaves me with an uneasy feeling.

  42. I have the skills and ability to ensure rewarding sexual behaviors for myself.

  43. I tend to think about my own sexual beliefs and attitudes.

  44. I want to avoid engaging in sex where I might be exposed to sexual diseases.

  45. Luck plays a big part in influencing the sexual aspects of my life.

  46. I tend to be preoccupied with sex.

  47. I am somewhat passive about expressing my own sexual desires. (R)

  48. I do not expect to suffer any sexual problems or frustrations in the future.

  49. If I were to develop a sexual disorder‚ then I would be to blame for not taking good care of myself.

  50. I am quick to notice other people’s reactions to the sexual aspects of my own life.

  51. I have a desire to be sexually active.

  52. If I were to become sexually maladjusted‚ I myself would be responsible for making myself better.

  53. I am pleased with how I handle my own sexual tendencies and behaviors.

  54. The sexual aspects of my life are personally gratifying to me.

  55. My sexual behavior is determined by the actions of powerful others (e.g.‚ my partner‚ friends‚ family).

  56. Not only could I relate well to a sexual partner‚ but it’s important to me that I be able to do so.

  57. I am fearful of engaging sexual activity.

  58. If just I look out for myself‚ then I will be able to avoid any sexual problems in the future.

  59. I feel discouraged about my sex life.

  60. I am in control of and am responsible for the sexual aspects of my life.

  61. I worry about the sexual aspects of my life.

  62. I am able to cope with and to handle my own sexual needs and wants.

  63. I’m very alert to changes in my sexual thoughts‚ feelings‚ and desires.

  64. I really want to prevent myself from being exposed to sexual diseases.

  65. The sexual aspects of my life are largely a matter of (good or bad) fortune.

  66. I’m constantly thinking about ha‎ving sex.

  67. I do not hesitate to ask for what I want in a sexual relationship.

  68. I will probably experience some sexual problems in the future. (R)

  69. If I were to develop a sexual problem‚ then it would be my own fault for letting it happen.

  70. I’m concerned about how the sexual aspects of my life appear to others.

  71. It’s important to me that I involve myself in sexual activity.

  72. If I developed any sexual problems‚ my recovery would depend in large part on what I myself would do.

  73. I have positive feelings about the way I approach my own sexual needs and desires.

  74. The sexual aspects of my life are satisfactory‚ compared to most people’s.

  75. In order to be sexually active‚ I have to conform to other more powerful individuals.

  76. I am able to “connect” well with a sexual partner‚ and it’s important to me that I am able to do so.

  77. I don’t have much fear about engaging in sex. (R)

  78. I will be able to avoid any sexual problems‚ if I just take good care of myself.

  79. I feel unhappy about my sexual experiences.

  80. The main thing which affects the sexual aspects of my life is what I myself do.

  81. I feel nervous when I think about the sexual aspects of my life.

  82. I have the capability to take care of my own sexual needs and desires.

  83. I am very aware of the sexual aspects of myself (e.g. habits‚ thoughts‚ beliefs).

  84. I am really motivated to avoid any sexual activity that might expose me to sexual diseases.

  85. The sexual aspects of my life are a matter of fate (destiny).

  86. I think about sex the majority of the time.

  87. When it comes to sex‚ I usually ask for what I want.

  88. I anticipate that in the future the sexual aspects of my life will be frustrating. (R)

  89. If something went wrong with my own sexuality‚ then it would be my own fault.

  90. I’m aware of the public impression cr‎eated by my own sexual behaviors and attitudes.

  91. I strive to keep myself sexually active.

  92. If I developed a sexual disorder‚ my recovery would depend on how I myself dealt with the problem.

  93. I feel good about the way I express my own sexual needs and desires.

  94. I am satisfied with the sexual aspects of my life.

  95. My sexual behavior is mostly determined by people who have influence and control over me.

  96. Not only am I be capable of relating to a sexual partner‚ but it’s important to me that I relate very well.

  97. I’m not afraid of becoming sexually active. (R)

  98. If I just pay careful attention‚ I’ll be able to prevent myself from ha‎ving any sexual problems.

  99. I feel sad when I think about my sexual experiences.

  100. My sexuality is something that I myself am in ch‎arge of.

Item 101: I responded to the above items based on: (A) A current sexual relationship. (B) A past sexual relationship. (C) An imagined sexual relationship.

Response Scale:

  • A = Not at all characteristic of me.

  • B = Slightly characteristic of me.

  • C = Somewhat characteristic of me.

  • D = Moderately characteristic of me.

  • E = Very characteristic of me.

Subscale Structure (20 Dimensions, 5 Items each):

  • (1) sexual-anxiety (items 1, 21, 41, 61, 81)

  • (2) sexual self-efficacy (items 2, 22, 42, 62, 82)

  • (3) sexual-consciousness (3, 23, 43, 63, 83)

  • (4) motivation to avoid risky sex (items 4, 24, 44, 64, 84)

  • (5) chance/luck sexual control (items 5, 25, 45, 65, 85)

  • (6) sexual-preoccupation (items 6, 26, 46, 66, 86)

  • (7) sexual-assertiveness (items 7, 2