Attitudes towards Sexual Behaviour: an Exploratory Analysis of a Comprehensive Model

Abstract

Introduction. A theoretical model of self-oriented cognitive schemata of sexual behaviour (SO-CSSB) was proposed after a previous disambiguation review on the definition and research of sexual attitudes. A quantitative exploration of the proposal may add real-world information regarding the internal structure and the adequacy of the defined factors. Consequently, the present study aims to 1) develop a questionnaire based on the theoretical review and 2) explore the structure of the SO-CSSB model. Method. Following the SO-CSSB principles, a questionnaire was developed and evaluated. An observational cross-sectional online survey was conducted. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and a reliability analysis were performed. Results. A study sample, comprised of 188 subjects, was analysed (Age 18–56; M = 25.27; SD = 6.6; 62 male, 33.2%). The EFA yielded 16 factors with eigenvalues above 1, accounting for 67.21% of the variance (KMO = .672, Barlett’s = 3958.7, sig.<.01; item communalities between .44 and .80). Items under .49were cut off, which included values from .49 to .86. There was no correlation between components over .20, in a range from –.19 to .20. Reliability indexes varied from .46 to .86. Conclusion. A final model of 16 components followingthe SO-CSSB principles was presented. The analysis revealed certain modifications to the theoretical proposal, and the objective of adding a quantitative frame toempirically specify its factors was achieved. This outcome constitutes a step forward to developing a comprehensive model on sexual beliefs.