Examining the reliability and sources of validity evidence of the sexual cognitions checklist

Abstract

Background/objective: The Sexual Cognitions Checklist (SCC) is the only measure that distinguishes and assesses both positive (PSC) and negative sexual cognitions (NSC). This study aimed to deepen the psychometric properties of its Spanish version by testing invariance, reliability, differences in frequency, associations with sexual functioning in solitary masturbation and sexual relationships and presenting standard scores. Method: A total of 2004 Spanish cisgender heterosexual adults (48.1% men, 51.9% women) aged 18 to 79 years (M = 38.23; SD = 13.70), distributed across age groups (18–34, 35–49 and 50 or older) participated. Analyses included measurement invariance, McDonald’s omega, MANCOVAs, correlations, partial correlations, and regression models. Norms for positive sexual cognitions were generated by gender and age. Results: Strict invariance was confirmed across educational level, relationship status, and relationship length, and partial strict invariance for gender on both the SCC-PSC and SCC-NSC scales. Age showed strict invariance in the SCC-PSC scale and configural in the SCC-NSC scale. The subscales showed good internal consistency. Frequency differences emerged, notably by gender, with men scoring higher in positive and women in negative sexual cognitions. Positive sexual cognitions were positively associated with sexual functioning, negative ones showed negative and weaker associations. Conclusions: The Spanish SCC version demonstrates reliability of its scores and provides sources of validity evidence for the interpretation of its scores, including associations with sexual functioning and measurement invariance across groups, enabling group comparisons. The availability of norms for positive sexual cognitions further supports its application in clinical settings. Future studies should include diverse populations and individuals with diagnosed sexual dysfunctions.