The development and validation of the motives for feigning orgasms scale

Abstract

Most research on feigning orgasm has focused exclusively on women and on potential predictors of this behaviour, with little attention given to the underlying motives for doing so. There are currently no available scales measuring individuals' motives for feigning orgasm. The purpose of the current research was to develop and validate a scale to assess motives for feigning orgasm among men and women. In Study 1, 53 men and 94 women completed a preliminary version of the Motives for Feigning Orgasms Scale (MFOS). More women (43.1%) than men (17.3%) indicated that that they had pretended to have an orgasm with their current relationship partner. Factor analysis was performed, yielding a six-factor solution (i.e., Intoxication, Partner Self-Esteem, Poor Sex/Partner, Desireless Sex, Timing, and Insecurity). In Study 2, the MFOS was completed by 194 participants. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted; however this analysis supported three models (i.e., two two-factor models, and one three-factor model). The Sexual Goals Questionnaire, the Behavioural Inhibition System/Behavioural Activation System Scale, and the Sexual Compulsivity Scale were also completed concurrently with the MFOS, and yielded results that supported the MFOS's convergent and discriminant validity. Men were more likely than women to report pretending orgasm due to intoxication, discomfort or displeasure attributable to the sexual experience or to their sexual partner, and feelings of insecurity. No other gender differences on the MFOS's subscales were found. The MFOS is a new comprehensive measure of individuals' motivations for feigning orgasm that can help enhance our understanding of human sexual motivation.