Development and Validation of a Filipino Contextualized Sexual Self-Esteem Scale (FC-SSES)

Sexual self-esteem is a vital aspect of an individual’s perception of their sexual identity and capacity to engage in meaningful and satisfying sexual experiences. It shapes sexual decisions and behaviors across emotional, physical, and relational dimensions. Despite its importance, research on sexual self-esteem remains limited, particularly in culturally traditional societies like the Philippines, where societal norms and values often constrain discussions about sexuality. To address this gap, the present study aimed to develop a culturally contextualized instrument to measure sexual self-esteem within the Philippine setting. Employing an exploratory sequential mixed methods design, the study began with a qualitative exploration to capture the multifaceted construct of sexual self-esteem within the Filipino context. Thematic analysis of interview data revealed six emergent themes that guided the development of the Filipino Contextualized Sexual Self-Esteem Scale (FC-SSES). The scale underwent rigorous testing, including a pilot study with 300 participants and a field test with 1,000 participants from a state university in the Philippines. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) identified six underlying factors: Sexual Agency, Sexual Self-Awareness, Sexual Self-Acceptance, Sexual Assertiveness, Sexual Education, and Sexual Empowerment. The FC-SSES demonstrated high internal consistency (α = 0.91, ω = 0.91) and strong convergent evidence of construct validity, establishing its reliability and suitability for measuring sexual self-esteem in the Philippine setting. The FC-SSES holds significant implications for improving sexual health and well-being. It offers a culturally relevant tool to identify individuals at risk for sexually related distress, dissatisfaction, and negative self-perceptions. Moreover, it serves as a foundation for developing interventions aimed at promoting sexual health, education, and overall well-being among Filipinos.