Journal 3 and 4

Sexual Attitudes Scale

Listed below are several statements that reflect different attitudes about sex. For each statement fill in the response on the answer sheet that indicates how much you agree or disagree with that statement. Some of the items refer to a specific sexual relationship, while others refer to general attitudes and beliefs about sex. Whenever possible, answer the questions with your current partner in mind. If you are not currently dating anyone, answer the questions with your most recent partner in mind. If you have never had a sexual relationship, answer in terms of what you think your responses would most likely be.

1 = Strongly disagree with the statement

2 = Moderately disagree with the statement

3 = Neutral- neither agree or disagree

4 = Moderately agree with the statement

5 = Strongly agree with the statement

1. I do not need to be committed to a person to have sex with him/her.

2. Casual sex is acceptable.

3. I would like to have sex with many partners.

4. One-night stands are sometimes very enjoyable.

5. It is okay to have ongoing sexual relationships with more than one person at a time.

6. Sex as a simple exchange of favors is okay if both people agree to it.

7. The best sex is with no strings attached.

8. Life would have fewer problems if people could have sex more freely.

9. It is possible to enjoy sex with a person and not like that person very much.

10. It is okay for sex to be just good physical release.

11. Birth control is part of responsible sexuality.

12. A woman should share responsibility for birth control.

13. A man should share responsibility for birth control.

14. Sex is the closest form of communication between two people.

15. A sexual encounter between two people deeply in love is the ultimate human interaction.

16. At its best, sex seems to be the merging of two souls.

17. Sex is a very important part of life.

18. Sex is usually an intensive, almost overwhelming experience.

19. Sex is best when you let yourself go and focus on your own pleasure.

20. Sex is primarily the taking of pleasure from another person.

21. The main purpose of sex is to enjoy oneself.

22. Sex is primarily physical.

23. Sex is primarily a bodily function, like eating.

Scoring Information

Permissiveness: Add scores for items 1-10- higher scores equal more permissive attitudes (e.g. casual sex is okay, multiple sexual partners is okay). Scores range from 10 to 50.

Birth Control: Add scores for items 11-13. Scores range from 3 to 15. Higher scores indicate that partners should both be responsible for birth control.

Communion: Add scores for items 14-18. Scores range from 5 to 25. This is an idealistic view of sexuality.

Instrumentality: Add scores for items 19-23. Scores range from 5 to 25. This is a biological view of sexuality.

Citation: Hendrick, C., Hendrick, S. S., & Reich, D. A. (2006). The Brief Sexual Attitudes Scale. The Journal of Sex Research, 43, 76-86.