Validating a sexual assertiveness questionnaire with college students in the United States

This study sought to validate a new sexual assertiveness scale with college students in the United States. Sexual assertiveness is associated with safer sex and sexual satisfaction. Validating the new scale among students in the United States (US) is important, as sexual behaviors vary by country. College students at a Midwest university in the US completed an electronic survey that contained sexual assertiveness and behavior questions from a previous measure. Data analysis compared answers on sexual assertiveness and behaviors from this study to those of a previous study. Reliability analysis shows the scale is reliable for a US college student sample. Confirmatory factor analysis did not show a good model fit, although convergent validity showed some statistically significant correlations. The CFA results could be due to sample characteristics: the sample was older and in committed relationships, which could impact sexual assertiveness behaviors. The study should be replicated with a larger sample size that more closely resembles traditional college student characteristics. Sexual and relationship therapists can use this information to better provide services to clients, including the importance of sexual assertiveness in relationships.