Sexual Excitation/Sexual Inhibition Inventory for Women and Men
Sexual Excitation/Sexual Inhibition Inventory — 30 questions, 6 factors
Based on Milhausen et al. (2010). 30-item measure of sexual excitation and inhibition propensity based on the Dual Control Model. 6 factors: Inhibitory Cognitions, Relationship Importance, Arousability, Partner Characteristics, Setting, Dyadic Elements. 4-point Likert. Takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
What Is the SESII-W/M?
The Sexual Excitation/Sexual Inhibition Inventory for Women and Men (SESII-W/M), based on Milhausen et al. (2010), is a 30-item measure of sexual excitation and inhibition propensity grounded in the Dual Control Model.
The Dual Control Model
The Dual Control Model proposes that sexual response depends on the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neural systems. Individuals differ in their propensity for both excitation and inhibition.
Six Factors
1. Inhibitory Cognitions (6 items): Thoughts and worries that inhibit arousal 2. Relationship Importance (4 items): Importance of relationship context for sexual response 3. Arousability (8 items): Ease and intensity of sexual arousal 4. Partner Characteristics (4 items): Partner traits that affect arousal 5. Setting/Environment (4 items): Environmental factors influencing sexual response 6. Dyadic Interaction (4 items): Partner interactions affecting excitation/inhibition
Scoring
Each item is rated on a 4-point Likert scale (1=Strongly Disagree → 4=Strongly Agree). Factor scores are calculated as means of their respective items, providing a profile of an individual's sexual excitation/inhibition balance.
Reference
Milhausen, R. R., Graham, C. A., Sanders, S. A., & Yarber, W. L. (2010). Validation of the Sexual Excitation/Sexual Inhibition Inventory for Women and Men. *Archives of Sexual Behavior*, 39(5), 1091–1104.
Result Interpretation
After completing the 30 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 instantly on screen. No account, email, or login required.