Proposing a tentative cut point for the compulsive sexual behavior inventory

Erik David Storholm, Dennis G. Fisher, Lucy E. Napper, Grace L. Reynolds, Perry N. Halkitis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Bivariate analyses were utilized in order to identify the relations between scores on the Compulsive Sexual Behavior Inventory (CSBI) and self-report of risky sexual behavior and drug abuse among 482 racially and ethnically diverse men and women. CSBI scores were associated with both risky sexual behavior and drug abuse among a diverse non-clinical sample, thereby providing evidence of criterion-related validity. The variables that demonstrated a high association with the CSBI were subsequently entered into a multiple regression model. Four variables (number of sexual partners in the last 30 days, self-report of trading drugs for sex, having paid for sex, and perceived chance of acquiring HIV) were retained as variables with good model fit. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were conducted in order to determine the optimal tentative cut point for the CSBI. The four variables retained in the multiple regression model were utilized as exploratory gold standards in order to construct ROC curves. The ROC curves were then compared to one another in order to determine the point that maximized both sensitivity and specificity in the identification of compulsive sexual behavior with the CSBI scale. The current findings suggest that a tentative cut point of 40 may prove clinically useful in discriminating between persons who exhibit compulsive sexual behavior and those who do not. Because of the association between compulsive sexual behavior and HIV, STIs, and drug abuse, it is paramount that a psychometrically sound measure of compulsive sexual behavior is made available to all healthcare professionals working in disease prevention and other areas.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1301-1308
Number of pages8
JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior
Volume40
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2011

Keywords

  • Compulsive sexual behavior
  • Drug abuse
  • HIV
  • STI
  • Sexual risk

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)
  • Psychology(all)

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