Tactics to Obtain Sex Scale

Abstract

The Tactics to Obtain Sex Scale (TOSS; Camilleri, Quinsey, & Tapscott, 2009) is a 31-item self-report measure designed to assess an individual’s current propensity for using specific behaviors—ranging from benign seduction to outright force—to obtain sexual intercourse from a reluctant partner. The scale uniquely evaluates two dimensions: sexual coercion (COERCE) and sexual coaxing (COAX). TOSS is distinctive because it measures propensity as a temporally variable dynamic factor, unlike previous measures focused on historical events.

To evaluate this propensity, participants are asked to respond to a hypothetical scenario where their partner refuses sex. They rate each tactic based on both the perceived likelihood of use and the perceived effectiveness in obtaining sex, using a 5-point scale (0 = Definitely Not; 4 = Definitely). A high current propensity is defined by a respondent reporting a high likelihood of using tactics that they consider effective. The scale was developed and validated among sexually active student and community participants in heterosexual relationships.

Keywords

Sexual Coercion, Sexual Coaxing, Partner Violence, Intimate Relationships, Sexual Conflict, Propensity, Self-Report, Psychometric Scale.

Authors

Joseph A. Camilleri, Vern L. Quinsey, Jennifer L. Tapscott.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Tactics to Obtain Sex Scale (TOSS) is to provide a comprehensive and psychometrically robust measure of an individual’s current inclination to employ various tactics to obtain sex from an intimate partner. This measure fills a critical gap in psychological assessment by moving beyond measures of historic events (temporally fixed variables) to assess temporally variable dynamic variables, such as current risk propensity.

By focusing on current propensity, the TOSS is particularly useful for clinical and research applications where measuring changes in risk is necessary, such as evaluating the efficacy of treatment programs or assessing outcomes after experimental manipulation. The inclusion of both coercive and coaxing tactics provides a holistic view of sexual influence strategies used within relationships.

Construct

The TOSS measures the construct of Current Propensity for Sexual Tactics in Relationships. This construct is defined by a respondent’s subjective assessment of how likely they are to use certain behaviors combined with how effective they perceive those behaviors to be in overcoming a partner’s sexual refusal.

The scale is structured around two distinct psychological dimensions:

• Sexual Coercion (COERCE): This sub-construct addresses the propensity to use harmful, manipulative, or forceful tactics to obtain sex. The COERCE subscale originally comprised 19 items.

• Sexual Coaxing (COAX): This sub-construct addresses the propensity to use benign, seductive, or socially acceptable tactics to persuade a partner. The COAX subscale originally comprised 12 items.

This dual focus acknowledges that behaviors used to obtain sex vary widely, ranging from benign seduction, which is often more prevalent, to extreme coercion.

Validity

Extensive research established the validity of the TOSS, supporting its use as a measure of distinct sexual influence strategies in relationships.

Construct Validity: Construct validity was supported by differential correlations with external measures. The COERCE subscale showed significant correlations with measures of antisociality, including psychopathy and attraction to sexual aggression. Conversely, the COAX subscale correlated positively with measures reflecting general sexual interest and self-perceived mating success, confirming that the subscales capture theoretically distinct domains.

Criterion Validity: Initial criterion validity demonstrated that COERCE scores correlated significantly with self-reported instances of sexually coercive behaviors directed toward a partner in the recent past (last month and year). Crucially, COERCE scores showed no relationship with nonsexual physical violence against a partner, highlighting its specificity to sexual coercion. The COAX subscale correlated appropriately with behaviors related to signaling sexual interest.

Temporal Sensitivity: The TOSS demonstrated sensitivity to proximal changes in risk factors. COERCE scores were observed to be higher among men who reported experiencing recent cues to infidelity. Furthermore, COAX scores varied significantly by relationship status and age, being lower among younger individuals in committed relationships (marital or common-law) compared to those dating or cohabiting.

Reliability

The TOSS demonstrated strong internal consistency across all measures, indicating high reliability in assessing the intended constructs.

Internal consistency estimates reported by Camilleri et al. (2009) using Cronbach’s alpha were as follows:

• COERCE (Sexual Coercion) Subscale: Estimates ranged from .87 to .89.

• COAX (Sexual Coaxing) Subscale: Estimates ranged from .92 to .93.

• Total TOSS Score: Estimates ranged from .90 to .91.

These reliability estimates suggest that the items within the TOSS consistently measure the underlying propensity for using coercive and coaxing tactics.

Factor Analysis

The scale development began with 36 initial items reflecting both verbal and physical acts related to sexual influence. These items were selected based on existing literature and the developers’ clinical expertise.

Factor analytic techniques were utilized to refine the measure and establish its structure. The analysis successfully reduced the scale to 31 items and confirmed a robust two-factor structure corresponding to the theoretical dimensions:

• Factor 1: COERCE (19 items), measuring the propensity for sexual coercion.

• Factor 2: COAX (12 items), measuring the propensity for sexual coaxing.

Instrument

Test Type: Self-Report Attitude Measure / Propensity Scale

Format: 31 items rated on a 5-point Likert-style scale (0 = Definitely Not to 4 = Definitely) for both perceived likelihood and perceived effectiveness. The total score for each item is the sum of these two ratings.

Language Available: English (Original development language).

Population Group: Non-clinical community and student populations.

Age Group: Adults (sexually active).

Population Details: Validation utilized sexually active participants in heterosexual relationships across various commitment levels (dating, cohabiting, common-law, and marital). The authors suggested future validation among clinical and correctional populations.

Test Methodology: The TOSS is administered following a hypothetical scenario of partner sexual refusal. It can be completed using a paper-and-pencil format or a computer program which allows for item randomization. The randomization does not affect the scale’s internal consistency or factor structure. The estimated time for completion is under 10 minutes.

Scoring and Interpretation

Scoring for the TOSS requires summing the Likelihood and Effectiveness ratings for each of the 31 items. These combined item scores are then aggregated into the two main subscale totals:

• COERCE Subscale Score: The sum of the total scores for the 19 sexually coercive items. Scores range from 0 to 152. Higher COERCE scores indicate a greater propensity for partner sexual coercion.

• COAX Subscale Score: The sum of the total scores for the 12 sexually coaxing items. Scores range from 0 to 96. Higher COAX scores indicate a greater propensity for partner sexual coaxing.

A total TOSS score can also be calculated by summing the COERCE and COAX subscale scores, representing a general propensity for using tactics to obtain sex from a partner.

Keywords

Sexual harassment, Relationship dynamics, Intimate partner violence, Seduction, Psychopathy, Sexual conflict, Partner refusal, Assessment tool.

Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: Not provided in source content.

Affiliation Email addresses: [email protected]

Correspondence Address: Joseph A. Camilleri, Psychology Department, Westfield State College, 577 Western Ave, Westfield, MA 01086

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

The Tactics to Obtain Sex Scale was developed and published in 2009 (Camilleri et al., 2009). While the authors encouraged further utilization and psychometric refinement of the scale, specific details regarding licensing fees or formal permissions for commercial or broad clinical use are not provided in the original source material.

Reference’s

Camilleri, J. A., & Quinsey, V. L. (2009a). Individual differences in the propensity for partner sexual coercion. Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment, 21, 111–129.

Camilleri, J. A., & Quinsey, V. L. (2009b). Testing the cuckoldry risk hypothesis of partner sexual coercion in community and forensic samples. Evolutionary Psychology, 7, 164–178.

Camilleri, J. A., Quinsey, V. L., & Tapscott, J. L. (2009). Assessing the propensity for sexual coaxing and sexual coercion in relationships: Factor structure, reliability, and validity of the Tactics to Obtain Sex Scale. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 38, 959–973.

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Items of the Tactics to Obtain Sex Scale

Suppose you were with your partner this evening, and he/she did not want to have sex with you: Please rate how effective the following acts would be to persuade your partner into having sex. Remember, you may skip questions you are uncomfortable in answering.

Effectiveness of Acts

Suppose you were with your partner this evening, and he/she did not want to have sex with you: Please rate how likely you would engage in the following acts to persuade your partner into having sex. Remember, you may skip questions you are uncomfortable in answering.

Likelihood You Would Use Acts