The Self-Acceptance of Sexuality Inventory (SASI): Development and Validation

TY - JOUR

T1 - The Self-Acceptance of Sexuality Inventory (SASI)

T2 - Development and Validation

AU - Camp, Jake

AU - Vitoratou, Silia

AU - Rimes, Katharine

PY - 2022

Y1 - 2022

N2 - Due to exposure to societal stigma, self-acceptance of sexuality can be a challenging process for individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, or with other minority sexual identities (LGBQ+). Quantitative research in this area is limited, and there is a lack of appropriately validated self-report questionnaires to assess self-acceptance of sexuality. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to develop a measure of self-acceptance of sexuality. Items for the new Self-Acceptance of Sexuality Inventory (SASI) were developed in consultation with psychologists and members of the general population identifying as LGBQ+. From a sample of participants experiencing nonheterosexual attractions (N = 1,619), dimensionality (via exploratory and confirmatory factor analyzes), measurement invariance, and reliability were assessed. Construct validity of the SASI was investigated in a subsample (n = 1,217) via hypothesized associations with alternative measures of self-acceptance, sexualityspecific processes, resilience factors, and mental health outcomes. Differences in SASI scores were also investigated between those who identified as LGBQ+ and those who were unsure/questioning. The final version of the SASI included 10 items comprising two factors. The SASI had satisfactory internal consistency and test-retest reliability, and evidence of good construct validity. Our research provides evidence of different constructions of self-acceptance across people with different sexual orientations, gender identities, sex assigned at birth, and ages. The SASI is a promising new measure of selfacceptance of sexuality. Further investigations into different understandings of self-acceptance are required.

AB - Due to exposure to societal stigma, self-acceptance of sexuality can be a challenging process for individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, or with other minority sexual identities (LGBQ+). Quantitative research in this area is limited, and there is a lack of appropriately validated self-report questionnaires to assess self-acceptance of sexuality. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to develop a measure of self-acceptance of sexuality. Items for the new Self-Acceptance of Sexuality Inventory (SASI) were developed in consultation with psychologists and members of the general population identifying as LGBQ+. From a sample of participants experiencing nonheterosexual attractions (N = 1,619), dimensionality (via exploratory and confirmatory factor analyzes), measurement invariance, and reliability were assessed. Construct validity of the SASI was investigated in a subsample (n = 1,217) via hypothesized associations with alternative measures of self-acceptance, sexualityspecific processes, resilience factors, and mental health outcomes. Differences in SASI scores were also investigated between those who identified as LGBQ+ and those who were unsure/questioning. The final version of the SASI included 10 items comprising two factors. The SASI had satisfactory internal consistency and test-retest reliability, and evidence of good construct validity. Our research provides evidence of different constructions of self-acceptance across people with different sexual orientations, gender identities, sex assigned at birth, and ages. The SASI is a promising new measure of selfacceptance of sexuality. Further investigations into different understandings of self-acceptance are required.

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85091352446&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1037/sgd0000445

DO - 10.1037/sgd0000445

M3 - Article

SN - 2329-0382

VL - 9

SP - 92

EP - 109

JO - Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity

JF - Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity

IS - 1

ER -