Sexual Self-Efficacy Scale-Erectile Functioning (SSES-E)

Abstract

The Sexual Self-Efficacy Scale-Erectile Functioning (SSES-E) is a specialized psychometric instrument designed to measure an individual’s perceived competence or sexual self-efficacy related to various aspects of sexual performance. Focusing specifically on erectile functioning, the scale assesses the respondent’s confidence across 25 items that cover the entire sexual encounter, including preparation, foreplay, intercourse, and partner communication. It is a valuable tool for clinicians and researchers studying male sexual health and the psychological factors underlying erectile dysfunction (ED).

Keywords

Sexual Self-Efficacy, SSES-E, Erectile Functioning, Erectile Dysfunction, Confidence Scale, Psychometrics, Sexual Health, Libman, Self-Efficacy.

Authors

Libman, E., Rothenberg, I., Fichten, C. S., and Amsel, R.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the SSES-E is to quantify the level of perceived competence, or self-efficacy, that males possess concerning their capacity for successful sexual performance. This includes the ability to achieve, maintain, and regain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity. It serves as a diagnostic and evaluative tool, especially useful in clinical settings treating conditions like erectile dysfunction.

The structure of the scale is also designed to capture confidence across a broad spectrum of sexual behaviors, extending beyond physical erection mechanics to include emotional comfort, interest, initiation of activities, and effective communication with a partner. This holistic approach ensures that psychological aspects of sexual health are comprehensively assessed, often utilizing both self-report and partner-report methodologies.

Construct

The SSES-E measures the psychological construct of Sexual Self-Efficacy as applied specifically to erectile functioning. Based on Albert Bandura’s social cognitive theory, self-efficacy refers to an individual’s belief in their capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments.

In this context, the scale assesses the respondent’s subjective certainty (confidence) across 25 discrete sexual behaviors. The scale is designed to isolate specific performance anxieties related to erection maintenance and achievement, rather than measuring general sexual satisfaction or desire. The confidence is rated on a 10-100 scale, reflecting the strength of the individual’s belief in their ability to perform the task successfully.

Validity

While specific detailed analyses of convergent or discriminant validity were not provided in the source excerpt, the scale is generally accepted in the field due to its strong theoretical grounding in self-efficacy theory. The scale’s high internal consistency coefficients (detailed in the Reliability section) provide robust evidence supporting the construct validity, suggesting that the items coherently measure the intended underlying trait of confidence in erectile functioning.

Reliability

The SSES-E demonstrates exceptionally high levels of reliability across various groups and over time, confirming its stability and internal consistency. The initial study reported robust internal consistency estimates (Cronbach’s Alpha) for both dysfunctional and control groups.

• Internal Consistency (Original Study): Alpha coefficients were reported as 0.92 for males with sexual dysfunction and 0.92 for control males. Female partners rating their male partners showed coefficients of 0.94 (dysfunctional group) and 0.86 (control group).
• Internal Consistency (Subsequent Study): A later calculation of the Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient indicated a very high overall reliability of α=0.95.
• Test-Retest Reliability: Utilizing the control group, test-retest reliability was calculated over a one-month interval. The results were outstanding, showing a reliability coefficient of 0.98 for males and 0.97 for females, indicating excellent temporal stability of the measure.

Factor Analysis

Factor analysis performed on the SSES-E items resulted in the extraction of five distinct factors. These factors represent different dimensions of sexual competence and confidence measured by the scale. The factors themselves demonstrated strong internal consistency, suggesting meaningful subscales.

The factor analysis revealed alpha coefficients ranging from 0.82 to 0.91 across the five extracted factors, confirming that the subscales are also highly reliable and measure distinct, yet related, components of sexual self-efficacy in erectile functioning.

Instrument

Test Type: Self-report questionnaire / Partner-report (Dyadic Assessment)

Format: 25 items, measured on a 10-point confidence rating scale.

Language Available: English (Original)

Population Group: Adult Males (specifically those with and without sexual dysfunction) and their female partners.

Age Group: Adults (typically used with middle-aged and older men seeking treatment for ED).

Population Details: Originally validated using clinical samples of males diagnosed with sexual dysfunction (e.g., erectile problems) and matched control groups.

Test Methodology: Respondents rate their confidence in performing each sexual behavior using the provided scale. The Confidence Scale ranges from 10 (“quite uncertain”) to 100 (“certain”), with 50 corresponding to “moderately certain.”

Keywords

Self-Report, Psychometric Scale, Sexual Confidence, Libman 1985, Test-Retest Reliability, Cronbach’s Alpha, Dyadic Assessment.

Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: Information not available in source material.

Affiliation Email addresses: Information not available in source material.

Correspondence Address: Information not available in source material.

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

Test Year: 1985

Permissions and Fees: The SSES-E was published in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy in 1985. While it is generally available for academic and clinical research purposes, specific usage fees or formal permissions should be sought from the primary authors (Libman, Fichten) or the journal publisher.

The instrument pages (559-560) can be viewed in the PDF available online. The original PDF can be downloaded here: http://adaptech.dawsoncollege.qc.ca/cfichten/Fichten-2011-SSES-E.pdf

Reference’s

• Libman, E., Rothenberg, I., Fichten, C. S., & Amsel, R. (1985). The SSES-E: A measure of sexual self-efficacy in erectile functioning. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, 11, 233-244.
• The original PDF containing the instrument is available online on pages 559-560 of “Sexual Self-Efficacy Scale-Erectile Functioning” here: http://adaptech.dawsoncollege.qc.ca/cfichten/Fichten-2011-SSES-E.pdf.
• An additional resource describing the scale can be accessed here: http://www.adaptech.org/cfichten/abSexualSelfEfficacyScaleErectileFunctioning1988FT.pdf.
• Further psychometric analysis is detailed in a related document: http://ijpcp.iums.ac.ir/files/site1/user_files_350e23/admin-A-10-1-462-f795b45.pdf.

Items of the Sexual Self-Efficacy Scale-Erectile Functioning (SSES-E)

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

1. Anticipate (think about) ha‎ving intercourse without fear or anxiety.
2. Get an erection by masturbating when alone.
3. Get an erection during foreplay when both partners are clothed.
4. Get an erection during foreplay while both partners are nude.
5. Regain an erection if it is lost during foreplay.
6. Get an erection sufficient to begin intercourse.
7. Keep an erection during intercourse until orgasm is reached.
8. Regain an erection if it is lost during intercourse.
9. Get an erection sufficient for intercourse within a reasonable period of time.
10. Engage in intercourse for as long as desired without ejaculating.
11. Stimulate the partner to orgasm by means other than intercourse.
12. Feel sexually desirable to the partner.
13. Feel comfortable about one’s sexuality.
14. Enjoy a sexual encounter with the partner without ha‎ving intercourse.
15. Anticipate a sexual encounter without feeling obliged to have intercourse.
16. Be interested in sex.
17. Initiate Sexual activities.
18. Refuse a sexual advance by the partner.
19. Ask the partner to provide the type and amount of sexual stimulation needed.
20. Get at least a partial erection when with the partner.
21. Get a firm erection when with the partner.
22. Have an orgasm while the partner is stimulating the penis with the hand or mouth.
23. Have an orgasm during intercourse (whether there is a firm erection or not).
24. Have an orgasm by masturbation when alone (whether there is a firm erection or not).
25. Get a morning erection.