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Sexual self-concept: testing a hypothetical model for men and women
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Sexual self-concept: testing a hypothetical model for men and women

Arielle R Deutsch, Lesa Hoffman and Brian L Wilcox
The Journal of sex research, Vol.51(8), pp.932-945
2014
DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2013.805315
PMID: 23998689

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Abstract

One theoretical concept receiving modest attention in contemporary sex research is the sexual self-concept (SSC). However, a lack of cohesion within this research has culminated in a collection of SSC models which overlap one another but which are not exactly the same. Therefore, a unified conceptual model of SSC needs to be established. In addition, little research has examined potential differences between genders in SSC, as most SSC research has focused on women. Using Buzwell and Rosenthal's 1996 sexual selves model as a theoretical basis, a six-factor higher-order latent SSC model was tested using confirmatory factor analysis. Lower-order factors for this model included multidimensional sexual self-esteem and sexual self-efficacy factors, as well as unidimensional arousal, anxiety, exploration, and commitment factors. A five-factor latent model (after removing the commitment and the resistance sexual self-efficacy factors) was the best-fitting model. This model was then tested for measurement and structural invariance between genders. Results indicated that while the measurement of SSC was similar between men and women, structural invariance did not hold, as men had a significantly higher latent SSC score compared to women. These findings have important implications for sexual self-concept research, as well as contributing to better understanding of human sexuality.
 Young Adult Self Concept Humans Models, Psychological Adult Female Male Sexuality - psychology

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