Gender differences in the content of cognitive distraction during sex

Journal of Sex Research, Feb, 2006 by Marta Meana, Sarah E. Nunnink

The DSFI Sexual Information subscale is scored as the sum of correctly-answered 26 true-false items designed to measure the participant's knowledge of sexual functioning. Scores thus range from 0-26, and higher scores indicate more knowledge. The DSFI Sexual Experience subscale consists of 24 distinct sexual behaviors that reflect the spectrum of sexual experience, from fundamental to relatively advanced. The subscale score is defined as the number of activities endorsed as having been experienced and ranges from 0-24, with higher scores indicating more experiences.

The DSFI Attitude sub-test score is the algebraic sum of 30 items thought to reflect liberal versus conservative sexual attitudes, after a specific adjustment for positive or negative valence. Participants are asked to respond to each item via a 5-point Likert-type scale in which there are two degrees of agreement, a neutral point and two degrees of disagreement. Scores range from -60 to 60, and higher scores indicate more liberal sexual attitudes. The DSFI Psychological Symptoms subtest consists of 53 psychological symptoms which participants endorse as having been bothersome anywhere from 0 (not at all) to 4 (extremely) over the past two weeks. This sub-test yields a Global Severity Index (GSI) indicating psychological distress. The GSI ranges from 0-4, with higher scores indicating more psychological distress.

The DSFI Affects subtest measures the balance between positive and negative emotions. Participants are asked to endorse 40 different one-word emotion items from 0 (never) to 4 (always). Eight emotion scores (joy, contentment, vigor, affection, anxiety, depression, guilt, hostility) are entered into an equation that yields an Affect Balance Index ranging from -4 to 4, with higher scores indicating more positive affect. The DSFI Fantasy subscale score is the sum of positively endorsed fantasies out of 20 presented fantasy themes and thus ranges from 0-20, with higher scores indicating more fantasies.

The DSFI Body Image subscale consists of 10 general items and 5 gender-specific ones, resulting in a score that ranges from 0-60, with higher scores denoting dissatisfaction with one's appearance. The 15 statements reflecting sentiments about one's body are accompanied by a Likert-type scale from 0 (not at all) to 4 (extremely). The DSFI Sexual Satisfaction sub-test consists of 10 true-false items that are scored positively if answered in an adaptive direction, resulting in a total score that ranges from 0-10.

Studies suggest that the DSFI is a highly reliable and valid measure of sexual functioning, and the inventory is widely-utilized within sexual research. Derogatis and Melisaratos (1979) reported internal consistency reliability coefficients between .60 and .97 and test-retest coefficients across a 14-day interval ranging from the high .70s to the low .90s with an N of 325. Howell et al. (1987) also reported test-retest coefficients over .70 within a 14 day-period.

Procedure

Formal approval for this study was obtained from the Institutional Review Board Committee at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Students interested in fulfilling the research participation requirement of Psychology 101 indicated their intention to participate on sign-up sheets for what was described as a "health study." After arrival at the testing site, the sexual nature (but not the purpose) of the study was described. Participants were informed that participation was voluntary and could be terminated without penalty at any point during the questionnaire's administration. Groups of approximately 15-25 participants were given a questionnaire packet, which was completed in the presence of a researcher. Students sat at a considerable distance from each other to ensure privacy. Participants were informed that all accumulated data would remain anonymous. Participants placed completed questionnaires into a closed box and were given a participation slip verifying credit earned.