Sexual Interaction System Scale

Abstract

The Sexual Interaction System Scale (SISS) is a comprehensive, 48-item self-report instrument designed to systematically measure the quality of sexual interaction within a heterosexual couple. Unlike previous inventories that focused solely on individual functioning, the SISS adopts a systemic approach, emphasizing the dynamic interplay and communication that occurs during the couple’s actual sexual encounters.

Developed by Woody and D’Souza, the SISS yields both individual scores reflecting each partner’s perception and a combined total couple score. It is structured around five core factors believed to interact during a sexual encounter: Sexual Functioning, Attitudinal Set, Nonsexual Interaction, Interaction Coordination, and Postsexual Interaction. The scale utilizes a 6-point Likert-type response scale (0 to 5) and is clinically applicable for addressing sexual dysfunctions, sexual distress, general relationship problems, and for use in premarital or enrichment programs.

Keywords

Sexual Interaction System Scale, SISS, sexual functioning, couple assessment, sexual distress, systemic explanation, interaction coordination, sexual dysfunction, self-report inventory.

Authors

Jane D. Woody, Henry J. D’Souza

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Sexual Interaction System Scale (SISS) is to provide a standardized, psychometrically sound measure of a couple’s sexual relationship quality, moving beyond individual symptoms to focus on the dynamic, interactive process. It serves to quantify specific sexual dysfunctions while simultaneously assessing the broader behavioral and psychological contexts in which those dysfunctions occur.

The SISS is intended for use by clinicians treating couples experiencing sexual distress or relationship issues. By yielding separate individual scores and a unified couple score, the instrument allows practitioners to compare partners’ perceptions and identify systemic patterns that either promote or interfere with mutual sexual arousal and satisfaction.

Construct

The SISS is theoretically grounded in a systemic explanation of sexual functioning, viewing the sexual encounter as an interactional communication process (Verhulst & Heiman, 1979). The scale measures five distinct factors, which are designed to capture the complexity of dyadic sexual communication:

1. Sexual Functioning: This factor aligns with the classification of sexual dysfunctions outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (American Psychiatric Association, 1987). It includes subfactors related to Desire, Arousal, and Orgasm. For females, a fourth subfactor addresses Pain Dysfunctions. Systemically, physiological responses during these phases are viewed as constant communication signals to which partners react.

2. Attitudinal Set: This measures the individual’s core attitudes regarding the purpose and focus of sexual intimacy. It assesses the maturity level of these attitudes, classifying them as self-focused, role-focused, or individually connected. These attitudes profoundly influence how a partner approaches and engages in the sexual encounter.

3. Nonsexual Interaction: This factor taps into established patterns in the couple’s overall relationship—such as issues of territoriality, ranking, attachment, and exploratory/sensory behaviors—that may either facilitate or hinder desired sexual arousal and satisfaction when they emerge during sex.

4. Interaction Coordination: This factor assesses the partners’ ability to use “action language,” encompassing both verbal and nonverbal behaviors, to coordinate all aspects of the sexual encounter. Effective coordination moves the interaction toward the desired outcome of mutual arousal and satisfaction.

5. Postsexual Interaction: This measures the emotional atmosphere following sexual activity. It involves each partner’s evaluation of the encounter, specifically assessing feelings and behaviors related to distance versus closeness toward the partner, which are assumed to carry over and influence future sexual interactions.

Validity

The validity of the SISS was supported through multiple methodologies, demonstrating its relevance and accuracy in measuring sexual interaction quality. Initially, Face Validity was established through positive ratings of the item content provided by six independent experts in the field.

Furthermore, Criterion Validity was strongly supported by a significant Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r = .80, p < .001) found between the SISS total couple score and the couple score on a separate criterion question assessing overall sexual satisfaction. Construct Validity was supported by comparing known groups: in a sample of 143 couples, significant differences were observed between the Sexual Dysfunction group and the Nonclinical group (t = 7.14, p < .001), as well as between the Sexual Dysfunction group and the Other Problems group (t = 2.05, p < .05). Finally, the SISS couple score showed a moderate and expected correlation with the overall quality of the relationship, as measured by the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (r = .61, p < .001; Woody & D’Souza, 1994).

Reliability

Internal consistency for the SISS was assessed using a sample of 143 couples. The reliability analysis focused on the five primary SISS factors. Although the specific numerical value for the overall coefficient was not explicitly provided in the source text, the choice of the statistic, Cronbach’s alpha, was justified based on the scale’s theoretical foundation.

The authors noted that, from a systemic perspective, the five factors are theoretically expected to be correlated, making Cronbach’s alpha the appropriate coefficient for evaluating the instrument’s internal consistency (Woody & D’Souza, 1994).

Factor Analysis

The SISS is structured around five distinct factors derived from systemic theory regarding sexual interaction as a communication process (Verhulst & Heiman, 1979). The structure reflects the interactional nature of sexual encounters. The 48 items are distributed unevenly across these factors: Sexual Functioning (10 items), Attitudinal Set (7 items), Nonsexual Interaction (12 items), Interaction Coordination (6 items), and Postsexual Interaction (10 items). While the source material confirms that the internal consistency analysis was performed factor-by-factor, specific details regarding initial exploratory or confirmatory factor analysis procedures used to establish the five-factor model were not detailed.

Instrument

Test Type: Self-report inventory/Psychological assessment tool

Format: 48 statements rated on a 6-point scale (0 = none, never, does not occur in our relationship to 5 = high, always, always occurs in our relationship).

Language Available: English (Original)

Population Group: Heterosexual couples

Age Group: Adults (Implied by population group and clinical use)

Population Details: Appropriate for couples in clinical settings dealing with sexual distress or relationship problems, and for use in premarital and enrichment programs. Normative data includes a Nonclinical sample (N = 58) and a Sexual Dysfunction sample (Males, N = 20; Females, N = 24).

Test Methodology: Partners complete the scale independently, referencing their most recent two or three sexual encounters. Completion time is approximately 10 minutes. Scoring involves reversing values for certain items before summing items within each factor to obtain subfactor, factor, and individual scores. The total couple score is the sum of both individual scores, with a maximum possible range of 0 to 225. Higher scores indicate more positive sexual interaction. Mean scores for the Nonclinical sample are set at a T-score of 50 for comparison purposes.

Keywords

Couple therapy, psychometrics, sexual satisfaction, interactional communication, sexual response cycle, Dyadic Adjustment Scale, systemic family therapy.

Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: Not provided in source material.

Affiliation Email addresses: [email protected] (Jane D. Woody)

Correspondence Address: Jane D. Woody, School of Social Work, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE 68182-0293.

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

Copyright for the Sexual Interaction System Scale is held by Jane D. Woody and Henry J. D’Souza. Permission to use or obtain a copy of the complete scale must be addressed to the first author. The primary validation study and publication detailing the scale occurred in 1994 (Woody & D’Souza, 1994).

Reference’s

• American Psychiatric Association. (1987). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (3rd ed. rev.). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.

• Schnarch, D. M. (1991). Constructing the sexual crucible. New York: Norton.

• Verhulst, J., & Heiman, J. (1979). An interactional approach to sexual dysfunction. American Journal of Family Therapy, 7(4), 19–36.

• Woody, J. D. (1992). Treatment for sexual distress: Integrative systems therapy. Newbury Park, CA: Sage.

• Woody, J. D., & D’Souza, H. J. (1994). The Sexual Interaction System Scale: A new inventory for assessing sexual dysfunction and sexual distress. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 20, 210–228.

Items of the Sexual Interaction System Scale

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

Directions. The items in this scale deal with your current sexual relationship with your spouse or regular partner. In answering each item, think of the last few times you engaged in sex with your partner.

For each of the statements, you are to answer for yourself, that is, give a response choice that reflects your own experience, your own opinion, or your own impression. You will answer each item according to a response scale of 0 to 5, which is explained below. Put your answers on the line in front of each item. Please answer all items. See the sample answers, explanations and directions below.

Response choices

For rating your experience or your opinion, select a rating from 0 to 5. The meanings of the ratings are as follows:

0 1 2 3 4 5

None or never on Extremely high

the characteristic or always on the

described. Does characteristic

not occur in our described.

relationship. Always occurs in

our relationship.

Sample Answers and Explanations

 0 I express complaints or negative feelings during sex. This answer means that you gave a rating of 0 because you believe that you never express complaints or negative feelings during sex.

1 I worry about the success of my sexual performance.

This answer means that you gave a rating of 1 because only rarely do you worry about the success of your performance.

 2 Female has consistent or recurring genital pain with intercourse. If you are a female, this answer means that you gave a rating of 2 because you occasionally have pain during intercourse. If you are a male, your answer in the response column will be NA, not applicable to you.

If an item describes a behavior that you never engage in or a reaction that you never have in your relationship, remember to look at the scale, as a rating of 0 means none or never, or does not occur in the relationship. The scale makes it possible for you to answer all questions.‌

Before starting to answer, take a minute to imagine yourself and your partner during the most recent few times you engaged in sex. This should be your frame of reference for answering the questions.

SISS Factors Sample Items

• Sexual Functioning I am interested in sex—willing to get involved, either initiating or responding to partner’s initiating.

• Attitudinal Set I worry about the success of my sexual performance.

• Nonsexual Interaction I feel my partner is too possessive of my body during sex.

• Interaction Coordination With actions and/or words, I do what it takes to make sex pleasurable for both of us.

• Postsexual Interaction I feel withdrawn and distant from my partner as a result of sex.