Development and Validation of the Response to Sexual Difficulties Scale

Abstract

Leading models of sexual dysfunction, such as those proposed by Masters and Johnson (1970), Barlow (1986), and Janssen, Everaerd, Spiering, and Janssen (2000), emphasize the role of anxiety and self-monitoring in the development and persistence of sexual difficulties. These models have considerable explanatory power, but focus on the intrapersonal factors that yield anxiety and self-monitoring. Accounting for the interpersonal context in which sexual activity occurs is also likely to be important. For example, anxiety and self-monitoring may arise from negative, yet accurate, predictions about how one’s partner will respond to one’s own sexual functioning difficulties. The current studies describe the development and validation of the Response to Sexual Difficulties Scale (RSDS), which was designed to assess how one expects one’s partner to respond to one’s own sexual difficulties (RSDS-Own Difficulties) and how one expects oneself to respond to one’s partner’s sexual difficulties (RSDS-Partner Difficulties). Study 1 established the initial reliability and construct validity of the RSDS-Own Difficulties in a sample of adults in committed relationships (N = 59). Study 2 further examined the construct and discriminant validity of the RSDS Own Difficulties and Partner Difficulties in a sample of heterosexual couples (N = 87). Results indicated that both measures had strong internal consistency and were not redundant with measures of mood or personality. Scores on the RSDS-Own Difficulties and Partner Difficulties were strongly associated, indicating that reports of one’s own response to one’s partner’s difficulty matched the partner’s assessment of the reaction. RSDS scores predicted sexual functioning, relationship satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, and sexual communication. The RSDS may, then, provide a useful means of assessing the role of interpersonal factors in the development and persistence of sexual difficulties.

Appendix: Response to Sexual Difficulties Scale

Instructions for RSDS-Own Difficulties Version

Please select the point on each scale that best describes how you expect your partner would respond in the moment if you were to experience a sexual difficulty [e.g., difficulties getting ‘in the mood’, difficulties becoming aroused or maintaining arousal, difficulties with climax (too soon, not soon enough), pain during intercourse]. If a word pair does not apply to you and/or in your relationship, please choose Neutral (4).

Instructions for RSDS-Partner Difficulties Version

Please select the point on each scale that best describes how you expect you would respond in the moment if your partner were to experience a sexual difficulty [e.g., difficulties getting ‘in the mood’, difficulties becoming aroused or maintaining arousal, difficulties with climax (too soon, not soon enough), pain during intercourse]. If a word pair does not apply to you and/or in your relationship, please choose Neutral (4).

Hostile			Neutral			Warm
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Rude			Neutral			Considerate
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Cold			Neutral			Loving
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Sad			Neutral			Hopeful
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Harsh			Neutral			Kind
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Indifferent			Neutral			Compassionate
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Suspicious			Neutral			Trusting
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Helpless			Neutral			Strong
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Scornful			Neutral			Respectful
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Baffled			Neutral			Insightful
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Worried			Neutral			Unconcerned
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Pessimistic			Neutral			Optimistic
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Ashamed			Neutral			Unashamed
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Guilty			Neutral			Blameless
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Turned Off			Neutral			Still Aroused
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Impatient			Neutral			Patient
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Judgmental			Neutral			Understanding
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Uncaring			Neutral			Caring
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Unsupportive			Neutral			Supportive
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Distant			Neutral			Close
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Angry			Neutral			Calm
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Insensitive			Neutral			Sensitive
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Withdrawn			Neutral			Forthcoming
1	2	3	4	5	6	7