Sexual Compulsivity Scale (SCS)
10-item screening for sexual compulsivity
Sexual thoughts and behaviors - we all have them, but sometimes they feel insistent, intrusive, out of your control. The SCS is a 10-item screening tool that measures this. About 5 minutes. Important: this is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. If you score high, follow up with a qualified professional.
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. 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.
Result Interpretation
After completing the 10 questions, you'll receive an immediate, detailed report with:
- Your score — calculated automatically based on your responses
- Score interpretation — what your score means in practical terms
- Context — how your results compare to general population norms where available
All results are displayed on screen. No account or login needed.