Table of Contents
Abstract
The Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire (SDBQ) is a 40-item, self-report instrument developed by Nobre, Pinto-Gouveia, and Gomes (2003). It is specifically designed to measure underlying cognitive factors, known as sexual dysfunctional beliefs, which serve as vulnerability indicators for the development and maintenance of sexual disorders in both male and female populations.
The instrument includes distinct male and female versions, each comprising 40 items that assess specific stereotypes and beliefs implicated in sexual dysfunction literature. The SDBQ is appropriate for use across both clinical and nonclinical settings, aiding in comprehensive psychological assessment, clinical practice, and educational programs.
Keywords
Sexual dysfunctional beliefs, sexual dysfunction, psychological assessment, self-report measure, vulnerability factors, factor analysis, Likert scale.
Authors
Pedro J. Nobre, José Pinto-Gouveia, F. A. Gomes.
Purpose
The primary purpose of the SDBQ is to systematically assess an individual’s endorsement of specific negative or maladaptive beliefs and stereotypes concerning sexuality. These beliefs are considered crucial vulnerability factors that predispose individuals to, or maintain, various forms of sexual dysfunction.
By quantifying these cognitive distortions, the SDBQ provides clinicians and researchers with an essential tool for identifying psychological targets in sex therapy interventions and for structuring educational programs focused on challenging rigid or inaccurate sexual schemas.
Construct
The SDBQ measures the construct of Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs, defined as rigid, irrational, or highly conservative cognitive schemas related to sexual performance, roles, expectations, and normality. These beliefs are drawn from established clinical literature concerning the etiology and perpetuation of sexual problems.
The scale recognizes that these dysfunctional beliefs are often gender-specific, necessitating distinct versions of the instrument to capture the unique sociocultural pressures and stereotypes contributing to male (e.g., performance anxiety, “macho” ideology) and female (e.g., body image concerns, sexual conservatism, reproductive primacy) sexual distress.
Validity
Convergent Validity
Convergent validity analysis indicated that the SDBQ successfully correlates with other established measures of sexual attitudes and functioning (Nobre et al., 2003). Specifically, the SDBQ demonstrated statistically significant associations with the Sexual Beliefs and Information Questionnaire (SBIQ; Adams et al., 1996), confirming its alignment with measures of general and sexual beliefs.
Furthermore, the SDBQ correlated significantly with criterion measures of sexual function: the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI; Rosen et al., 2000) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF; Rosen et al., 1997), supporting its relevance to actual sexual outcomes.
Discriminant Validity
Discriminant validity was assessed by comparing scores between a clinical sample (men and women diagnosed with sexual dysfunction) and a matched control group. Findings for both men and women showed that participants from the clinical group consistently exhibited higher scores on several dysfunctional domains compared to individuals in the control group.
Key discriminant findings included higher scores among clinically distressed women on factors such as Sexual Conservatism (F1), Sex as a Sin (F2), and Body-Image Beliefs (F4). Clinically distressed men, conversely, showed higher scores primarily on the “Macho” Belief factor (F3), highlighting the scale’s ability to differentiate between dysfunctional and non-dysfunctional populations based on specific cognitive schemas (Nobre & Pinto-Gouveia, 2006).
Reliability
Internal Consistency
The internal consistency of the SDBQ was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha for both the total scale and its individual dimensions. Results demonstrated high internal consistency for the total scale, with scores of α = .93 for the male version and α = .81 for the female version.
Internal consistency across the individual factor dimensions was generally acceptable, ranging from .50 to .89 for the female version and from .54 to .89 for the male version (Nobre et al., 2003).
Test-Retest Reliability
Temporal stability was established using test-retest reliability over a four-week interval, applying Pearson product-moment correlations. The total scale scores for both versions showed good stability over time, yielding statistically significant correlations of r = .73 for the male version and r = .80 for the female version (p < .05).
Factor Analysis
The structural validity of the SDBQ was established through a principal component analysis utilizing varimax rotation, performed separately on the male and female versions of the questionnaire (Nobre et al., 2003).
For the female version, the analysis yielded six distinct factors that collectively accounted for 43% of the total variance:
- Sexual Conservatism (F1)
- Sexual Desire and Pleasure as a Sin (F2)
- Age-Related Beliefs (F3)
- Body-Image Beliefs (F4)
- Denying Affection Primacy (F5)
- Motherhood Primacy (F6)
The male version analysis also identified six factors, accounting for 49% of the total variance:
- Sexual Conservatism (F1)
- Female Sexual Power (F2)
- “Macho” Belief (F3)
- Beliefs About Women’s Sexual Satisfaction (F4)
- Restricted Attitude Toward Sexual Activity (F5)
- Sex as an Abuse of Men’s Power (F6)
Instrument
Test Type: Self-report psychological measure; Cognitive assessment scale
Format: 40 items per version (Male and Female); 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (Completely Disagree) to 5 (Completely Agree).
Language Available: Original development and validation in Portuguese (Portugal); widely used in English translation.
Population Group: Adult men and women.
Age Group: Not explicitly specified, but typically adult populations.
Population Details: Applicable to both clinical samples (individuals with sexual dysfunction) and nonclinical/community samples.
Test Methodology: Paper-and-pencil or computer administration. Completion time averages 10 minutes. Scoring involves summing item scores (with reverse-scoring applied to specific items) to yield domain scores and a total index of Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs.
Keywords
Sexology, cognitive schemas, sexual stereotypes, psychological assessment, psychometrics, Cronbach’s alpha, varimax rotation.
Authors
Author ORCID Identifier: Not provided in source content.
Affiliation Email addresses: [email protected] (Pedro Nobre)
Correspondence Address: Pedro Nobre, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Apartado 1013, 5001–801 Vila Real, Portugal.
Permissions & Fee and Test Year
The original conceptualization and validation of the SDBQ were published in 2003 (Nobre, Pinto-Gouveia, & Gomes). Permission for the use of the scale should be requested directly from the corresponding author, Pedro J. Nobre.
Reference’s
- Adams, S. G., Dubbert, P. M., Chupurdia, K. M., Jones, A., Lofland, K. R., & Leermakers, E. (1996). Assessment of sexual beliefs and information in aging couples with sexual dysfunction. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 25, 249–260.
- Nobre, P. J., & Pinto-Gouveia, J. (2006). Dysfunctional sexual beliefs as vulnerability factors to sexual dysfunction. The Journal of Sex Research, 43, 68–75.
- Nobre, P. J., Pinto-Gouveia, J., & Gomes, F. A. (2003). Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire: An instrument to assess sexual dysfunctional beliefs as vulnerability factors to sexual problems. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 18, 171–204.
- Rosen, R. C., Brown, C., Heiman, J., Leiblum, S., Meston, C., Shabsig, R., et al. (2000). The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI): A multidimensional self-report instrument for the assessment of female sexual function. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 26, 191–208.
- Rosen, R. C., Riley, A., Wagner, G., Osterloh, I. H., Kirkpatrick, J., & Mishra, A. (1997). The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF): A multidimensional scale for assessment of erectile dysfunction. Urology, 49, 822–830.
Items of the Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire
IMPORTANT: The following scale items must be preserved in their original language and must not be changed in any way.
Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire
Male Version
The list presented below contains statements related to sexuality. Please read each statement carefully and circle the number in the right-hand column which corresponds to the extent to which you agree or disagree with each statement (circle only one option per statement), from 1 (completely disagree) to 5 (completely agree). There are no wrong or right answers, but it is very important that you be honest and that you answer all items.
Completely Disagree Disagree Don’t Disagree or Agree Agree Completely Agree
Sexual Beliefs
1. A real man has sexual intercourse very often | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
2. Orgasm is possible only by vaginal intercourse | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
3. Penile erection is essential for a woman’s sexual satisfaction | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
4. Homosexuality is a sickness | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
5. A woman has no other choice but to be sexually subjugated by a man’s power | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
6. A real man must wait the necessary amount of time to sexually satisfy a woman during intercourse | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
7. A woman may have doubts about a man’s virility when he fails to get an erection during sexual activity | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
8. Repeated engagement in oral or anal sex can cause serious health problems | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
9. A shorter duration of intercourse is a sign of a man’s power | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
10. Sex is an abuse of a male’s power | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
11. The consequences of a sexual failure are catastrophic | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
12. Women only pay attention to attractive younger men | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
13. It is not appropriate to have sexual fantasies during sexual intercourse | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
14. There are certain universal rules about what is normal during sexual activity | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
15. In bed the woman is the boss | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
16. Men who are not capable of penetrating women can’t satisfy them sexually | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
17. In sex, getting to the climax is most important | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
18. In sex, anything but vaginal intercourse is unacceptable | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
19. A woman’s body is her best weapon | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
20. A woman may stop loving a man if he is not capable of satisfying her sexually | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
21. Vaginal intercourse is the only legitimate type of sex | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
22. The quality of the erection is what most satisfies women | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
23. A successful career implies the control of sexual urges | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
24. Foreplay is a waste of time | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
25. Sex is meant only for procreation | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
26. In sex, the quicker/faster the better | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
27. People who don’t control their sexual urges are more easily controlled by others | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
28. A real man is always ready for sex and must be capable of satisfying any woman | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
29. If a man lets himself go sexually he is under a woman’s control | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
30. Anal sex is a perverted activity | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
31. A man must be capable of maintaining an erection until the end of any sexual activity | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
32. There is only one acceptable way of having sex (missionary position) | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
33. Sexual intercourse before marriage is a sin | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
34. Sex is a violation of a woman’s body | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
35. A man who doesn’t sexually satisfy a woman is a failure | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
36. Whenever the situation arises, a real man must be capable of penetration | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
37. Sex can be good even without orgasm | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
38. A real man doesn’t need much stimulation to reach orgasm | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
39. A woman at her sexual peak can get whatever she wants from a man | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
40. The greater the sexual intimacy, the greater the potential for getting hurt | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Female Version
The list presented below contains statements related to sexuality. Please read each statement carefully and circle the number in the right-hand column which corresponds to the extent to which you agree or disagree with each statement (circle only one option per statement), from 1 (completely disagree) to 5 (completely agree). There are no wrong or right answers, but it is very important that you be honest and that you answer all items.
Completely Disagree Disagree Don’t Disagree or Agree Agree Completely Agree
Sexual Beliefs
1. Love and affection from a partner are necessary for good sex | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
2. Masturbation is wrong and sinful | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
3. The most important component of sex is mutual affection | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
4. The best gift a woman could bring to marriage is her virginity | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
5. After menopause women lose their sexual desire | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
6. Women who have sexual fantasies are perverted | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
7. Masturbation is not a proper activity for respectable women | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
8. After menopause women can’t reach orgasm | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
9. There are a variety of ways of getting pleasure and reaching orgasm | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
10. Women who are not physically attractive can’t be sexually satisfied | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
11. In the bedroom the man is the boss | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
12. A good mother can’t be sexually active | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
13. Reaching climax/orgasm is acceptable for men but not for women | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
14. Sexual activity must be initiated by the man | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
15. Sex is dirty and sinful | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
16. Simultaneous orgasm for two partners is essential for a satisfying sexual encounter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
17. Orgasm is possible only by vaginal intercourse | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
18. The goal of sex is for men to be satisfied | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
19. A successful professional career implies control of sexual behavior | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
20. As women age the pleasure they get from sex decreases | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
21. Men only pay attention to young, attractive women | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
22. Sex is a beautiful and pure activity | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
23. Sex without love is like food without flavor | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
24. As long as both partners consent, anything goes | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
25. Any woman who initiates sexual activity is immoral | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
26. Sex is meant only for procreation | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
27. Sexual intercourse during menstruation can cause health problems | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
28. Oral sex is one of the biggest perversions | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
29. If women let themselves go sexually they are totally under men’s control | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
30. Being nice and smiling at men can be dangerous | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
31. The most wonderful emotions that a woman can experience are maternal feelings | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
32. Anal sex is a perverted activity | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
33. In the bedroom the woman is the boss | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
34. Sex should happen only if a man initiates | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
35. There is just one acceptable way of having sex (missionary position) | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
36. Experiencing pleasure during sexual intercourse is not acceptable in a virtuous woman | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
37. A good mother must control her sexual urges | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
38. An ugly woman is not capable of sexually satisfying her partner | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
39. A woman who only derives sexual pleasure through clitoral stimulation is sick or perverted | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
40. Pure girls don’t engage in sexual activity | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Cite this article
Mohammed looti (2025). Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire. Psychological Scales & Instruments Database. Retrieved from https://db.arabpsychology.com/scales/sexual-dysfunctional-beliefs-questionnaire/
Mohammed looti. "Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire." Psychological Scales & Instruments Database, 22 Oct. 2025, https://db.arabpsychology.com/scales/sexual-dysfunctional-beliefs-questionnaire/.
Mohammed looti. "Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire." Psychological Scales & Instruments Database, 2025. https://db.arabpsychology.com/scales/sexual-dysfunctional-beliefs-questionnaire/.
Mohammed looti (2025) 'Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire', Psychological Scales & Instruments Database. Available at: https://db.arabpsychology.com/scales/sexual-dysfunctional-beliefs-questionnaire/.
[1] Mohammed looti, "Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire," Psychological Scales & Instruments Database, vol. X, no. Y, ص Z-Z, October, 2025.
Mohammed looti. Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire. Psychological Scales & Instruments Database. 2025;vol(issue):pages.