Female Sexual Well-Being Scale™ (FSWB Scale™): Development and Psychometric Validation in Sexually Functional Women

INTRODUCTION: No validated instrument exists for measuring female sexual well-being (FSWB) in women without medical/psychosocial conditions. AIMS: To develop and psychometrically validate a self-administered Female Sexual Well-Being Scale (FSWB Scale) for assessing sexual well-being in sexually functional women. METHODS: Important aspects of FSWB were identified via focus groups, debriefing interviews, and administration of an initial scale to 111 US women aged 21-72 years reporting normal sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index >26). Principal components analysis and psychometric validity testing of a FSWB Scale were conducted in a second study of 332 women. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: To develop a FSWB Scale, based on qualitative input from women reporting normal sexual function, and determine its factor structure and psychometric validity. RESULTS: Four aspects of FSWB were identified from the qualitative research. Women's preferred language to describe sexual well-being and preferred response formats were incorporated into the scale. A principle components analysis of quantitative study data from 332 women aged 21-72 years reporting normal sexual function identified 5 factors with eigenvalues >1: interpersonal domain (6 items), cognitive-emotional domain (5 items), physical arousal domain (3 items), orgasm-satisfaction domain (3 items), and external lubrication domain (2 items). The external lubrication domain did not demonstrate strong positive correlations with the other 4 domains, so it was not retained in the final scale. A high degree of internal consistency was demonstrated for the 4 domains (Cronbach's alpha values: 0.84-0.92). Test-retest reliability over a 2-week period was high (r > 0.80) or moderately high (r > 0.70) for the 4 domain scores. Correlation coefficients between FSWB Scale domain scores and standardized scale scores for female sexual function, depression, and social desirability demonstrated the construct validity of the FSWB Scale. CONCLUSION: A 17-item FSWB Scale was developed and psychometrically validated as a reliable, multidimensional, self-administered instrument for assessing sexual well-being in women of different ages.