Sexual Compulsivity Scale (SCS)

What Is the Sexual Compulsivity Scale (SCS)?

The SCS assesses insistent, intrusive, and uncontrolled sexual thoughts and behaviors — 10 items that cover a pattern that can feel compulsive and hard to control.

Background

The SCS was originally derived from self-descriptive statements in a brochure advertising a sexual addiction support group. Researchers extracted self-identifying affirmations and framed them as first-person items. The scale was piloted and refined in community samples, resulting in the final 10-item version.

What It Measures

The SCS assesses two primary components of sexual compulsivity:

• Uncontrolled sexual thoughts and behaviors (e.g., difficulty controlling sexual urges, frequent sexual thoughts)
• Social and interpersonal consequences (e.g., sexual behavior affecting relationships and responsibilities)

Scoring

Each item is rated on a 4-point Likert scale (1=Not at All Like Me → 4=Very Much Like Me). Total scores range from 10 to 40. Higher scores indicate greater sexual compulsivity.

Important Note

The SCS is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. Elevated scores do not necessarily indicate a compulsive sexual behavior disorder. Positive screens should be followed up with a clinical assessment by a qualified mental health professional.

Reference

Kalichman, S. C., & Rompa, D. (1995). Sexual sensation seeking and sexual compulsivity scales: Reliability, validity, and predicting HIV risk behavior. *Journal of Personality Assessment*, 65(3), 586–601.