Development and Psychometric Validation of the Sexual Fantasies and Behaviors Inventory

TY - JOUR

T1 - Development and Psychometric Validation of the Sexual Fantasies and Behaviors Inventory

AU - Brown, Ashley

AU - Barker, Edward

AU - Rahman, Qazi

N1 - Funding Information: The authors did not receive support from any organization for the submitted work. No funding was received to assist with the preparation of this manuscript. No funding was received for conducting this study. No funds, grants, or other support was received Publisher Copyright: © 2021 American Psychological Association

PY - 2022

Y1 - 2022

N2 - To date, no measures of sexual fantasies and behaviors have been tested using modern structural equation modeling techniques. A total of 4,280 adults from the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Ireland completed a measure of diverse (paraphilic and normophilic) sexual fantasies and behaviors. Data were randomly split in half for a two-part analysis. First, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed to reduce the item pool and determine general factor structure. Second, we tested several models using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM). These were followed by tests of measurement invariance (based on sex and sexual orientation) and criterion validity. For both the fantasies and behaviors, bifactor ESEMs were the most appropriate models. Similar specific factors emerged: (a) normophilia, (b) rough sex, (c) interest of intrusion, (d) assuming power, and (e) relinquishing power. Findings suggest that sexual interests show a hierarchical measurement structure. Males and nonheterosexuals had higher general fantasy scores; nonheterosexuals had higher general behavior scores. Heterosexuals generally scored lower than nonheterosexuals. Fantasy and behavior scores were positively related to Dark Triad traits and sociosexuality, and there were weak or no relationships with depression and anxiety. Results support the psychometric validation of the Sexual Fantasies and Behaviors Inventory. Strengths of this study include a large nonclinical sample with relevant psychological correlates and the use of modern psychometric methods. However, the use of an internet sample with self-report measures may be unrepresentative, although the internet has the advantage of being able to recruit from stigmatized groups.

AB - To date, no measures of sexual fantasies and behaviors have been tested using modern structural equation modeling techniques. A total of 4,280 adults from the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Ireland completed a measure of diverse (paraphilic and normophilic) sexual fantasies and behaviors. Data were randomly split in half for a two-part analysis. First, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed to reduce the item pool and determine general factor structure. Second, we tested several models using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM). These were followed by tests of measurement invariance (based on sex and sexual orientation) and criterion validity. For both the fantasies and behaviors, bifactor ESEMs were the most appropriate models. Similar specific factors emerged: (a) normophilia, (b) rough sex, (c) interest of intrusion, (d) assuming power, and (e) relinquishing power. Findings suggest that sexual interests show a hierarchical measurement structure. Males and nonheterosexuals had higher general fantasy scores; nonheterosexuals had higher general behavior scores. Heterosexuals generally scored lower than nonheterosexuals. Fantasy and behavior scores were positively related to Dark Triad traits and sociosexuality, and there were weak or no relationships with depression and anxiety. Results support the psychometric validation of the Sexual Fantasies and Behaviors Inventory. Strengths of this study include a large nonclinical sample with relevant psychological correlates and the use of modern psychometric methods. However, the use of an internet sample with self-report measures may be unrepresentative, although the internet has the advantage of being able to recruit from stigmatized groups.

KW - Paraphilia

KW - Sexual interests

KW - Sexual behavior

KW - Sexual fantasies

KW - Assessment

KW - Psychometrics

KW - Sex differences

KW - Sexual orientation

KW - Confirmatory factor analysis

KW - Structural equation model

KW - Measurement invariance

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85120912316&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1037/pas0001082

DO - 10.1037/pas0001082

M3 - Article

SN - 1040-3590

VL - 34

SP - 217

EP - 232

JO - Psychological Assessment

JF - Psychological Assessment

IS - 3

ER -