Hurlbert Index of Sexual Fantasy

Abstract

The Hurlbert Index of Sexual Fantasy (HISF) is a specialized psychometrics instrument designed to quantify and assess an individual’s attitudes toward and engagement with sexual fantasy. Developed by David F. Hurlbert and Carolyn Apt in 1993, the scale explores various dimensions of fantasy life, including comfort, enjoyment, use of fantasy during sexual activity or masturbation, and feelings of guilt or negativity associated with sexual thoughts and past experiences. The scale consists of 25 items utilizing a Likert Scale format and is primarily used in clinical and research settings to evaluate factors contributing to sexual satisfaction and dysfunction.

Keywords

Sexual Fantasy, Sexual Attitudes, Sexual Guilt, Sexual Satisfaction, Psychometric Scale, David F. Hurlbert, Sexual Function, Sexual Arousal.

Authors

David F. Hurlbert, Carolyn Apt.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Hurlbert Index of Sexual Fantasy is to provide a standardized, quantifiable measure of an individual’s orientation toward sexual fantasy. It aims to diagnose potential inhibitory factors, such as guilt or negative self-perception, that might interfere with healthy sexual function and arousal. By assessing both positive and negative attitudes toward fantasy, the HISF helps clinicians and researchers understand the role of cognitive processes in sexual behavior and overall satisfaction.

The scale was initially employed in a comparative study examining differences in female sexuality between women in homosexual and heterosexual relationships, highlighting its utility in diverse population studies related to sexual health and relationship dynamics. It serves as a tool for evaluating the extent to which an individual integrates fantasy life positively into their sexual experiences.

Construct

The HISF measures the psychological construct of Sexual Fantasy Engagement and Acceptance. This construct is multidimensional, encompassing several key facets:

• Attitudinal Acceptance: The belief that sexual fantasies are healthy, normal, and enjoyable.
• Behavioral Integration: The utilization of fantasies during masturbation or partnered sexual activity.
• Interpersonal Comfort: The willingness and comfort level in sharing fantasies and sexual thoughts with a partner.
• Inhibitory Factors: The presence of feelings of guilt, shame, discomfort, or negative memories regarding sexual thoughts or past experiences.
• Cognitive Ease: The ability to easily focus on and be aroused by sexual thoughts and stimuli.

A high score generally indicates a positive, integrated, and comfortable relationship with one’s internal sexual thoughts, whereas a low score suggests inhibition, guilt, or difficulty focusing on sexual stimuli, which may contribute to sexual dysfunction.

Validity

While detailed, independent validity studies are crucial for specialized instruments, the HISF demonstrates strong face validity, as its items directly address components central to the experience of sexual fantasy acceptance and use. The scale’s development within a peer-reviewed context (Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy) suggests foundational content validity.

In the original 1993 study, the HISF’s scores were expected to correlate logically with other measures of sexual satisfaction and function, providing initial evidence of criterion-related validity. For instance, higher scores on the HISF would theoretically correlate positively with overall sexual satisfaction and negatively with measures of sexual distress or low sexual arousal.

Reliability

Reliability of the HISF, as reported in the foundational literature, typically focuses on internal consistency. Instruments of this nature often employ statistical measures like Cronbach’s alpha to confirm that all items consistently measure the same underlying construct of sexual fantasy acceptance. Although the specific alpha value is not provided in the source excerpt, scales used in major academic journals are expected to meet standard psychometrics thresholds (e.g., alpha > 0.70) to ensure reliable measurement across the 25 items.

Factor Analysis

A formal Factor Analysis would confirm whether the 25 items load onto one primary factor (general sexual fantasy acceptance) or multiple distinct sub-factors. Based on the item content, the scale likely captures at least two core dimensions: a positive, facilitative dimension (e.g., enjoyment, comfort, enhancement) and a negative, inhibitory dimension (e.g., guilt, discomfort, negative memories). The use of both positively and negatively worded items necessitates careful analysis to ensure factor structure stability.

Instrument

Test Type: Self-report psychological index/Questionnaire

Format: 25 items rated on a 5-point Likert Scale.

Language Available: English (Original research language).

Population Group: Adults (initially validated on women, applicable to all adult genders).

Age Group: Adult (18+).

Population Details: Originally studied on female populations, comparing those in homosexual and heterosexual relationships. Applicable to general adult populations studying sexual health, marital therapy, and sexual function.

Test Methodology: Respondents rate the frequency or applicability of each statement regarding their sexual thoughts and experiences. Scoring involves assigning point values based on frequency (e.g., All Of The Time to Never), with many items being reverse-scored (R) to ensure consistency in interpretation of the final score.

Keywords

Sexual Health, Sexual Behavior, Cognitive Sexual Function, Marital Therapy, Psychometrics, Likert Scale, Reverse-scored.

Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: Not provided in source material.

Affiliation Email addresses: [email protected] (Associated with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).

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

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

Test Year: 1993.

Permissions and Fee: Information on current usage fees or specific institutional permissions is not provided in the source material. The scale was published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy. Researchers seeking to utilize the HISF for clinical or academic purposes must contact the corresponding author, David F. Hurlbert, or the publisher for formal usage rights and licensing information.

Reference’s

Hurlbert, D. F., & Apt, C. (1993). Female sexuality: A comparative study between women in homosexual and heterosexual relationships. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 19, 315–327.

Items of the Hurlbert Index of Sexual Fantasy

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

1. I think sexual fantasies are healthy. (R)

2. I enjoy fantasizing about sex. (R)

3. I feel comfortable sharing my sexual fantasies with my partner. (R)

4. I enjoy using my sexual fantasies during masturbation. (R)

5. I am easily aroused by thoughts of sex. (R)

6. Even when I am in the mood for sex, it is difficult for me to think about sexual things.

7. I enjoy hearing my partner’s sexual fantasies. (R)

8. It is hard for me to focus or concentrate on my sexual fantasies during sex.

9. I find my sexual fantasies to be boring.

10. My memories of past sexual experiences are negative.

11. It is difficult for me to think about sexual things during sex with my partner.

12. Thoughts about sex enter my mind without much effort. (R)

13. I believe sexual fantasy enhances sex. (R)

14. I feel uncomfortable discussing my sexual fantasies with my partner.

15. I don’t like thinking about sex.

16. I feel uncomfortable telling my partner my sexual thoughts.

17. I feel guilty about my sexual fantasies.

18. I find my sexual fantasies to be simulating. (R)

19. When it comes to my past sexual experiences, my memories are negative.

20. It is hard for me to daydream about sex.

21. I find my partner’s sexual fantasies to be exciting. (R)

22. I enjoy using my sexual fantasies during sex. (R)

23. I feel guilty when I think about sex.

24. I have negative thoughts about my past sexual experiences.

25. I experience negative feelings just thinking about sex.

Note. (R) = Reverse-scored items as indicated by the responses: All Of The Time = 0 points; Most Of The Time = +1 point; Some Of The Time = +2 points; Rarely = +3 points; Never = +4 points. (Note: This scoring applies to the non-reversed items. For the (R) items, the scoring is inverted.)