(O-32) The Sociosexual skills inventory (IHSS)

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Authors: Vinícius Soares Alves Mendes, Adriana Benevides Soares
Cited by: 0

Abstract

Abstract A well-developed repertoire of Social Skills (SS) is associated with sexual health, including in contexts of Casual Sex (CS), and can act as a protective factor against infections, harassment, unwanted pregnancy and regret. To assess SS aimed at seeking CS, the Sociosexual Skills Inventory (IHSS) was developed. This study aimed to confirm its internal structure and verify evidence of validity for LGBT+ individuals. To confirm the internal structure of the IHSS, 374 heterosexual young adults (men and women) completed the IHSS, the Enamorment Style Inventory (IEE), and the Condom Use Self-Efficacy Scale (CUSES). Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) tested two two-factor models: one with 18 items (χ2 = 269.204; df = 134; χ2/df = 2.01; TFI = 0.966; TLI = 0.961; RMSEA = 0.052) and another with 16 items (χ2 = 194.567; df = 103; χ2/df = 1.89; TFI = 0.976; TLI = 0.971; RMSEA = 0.049), the latter being more adequate as it excluded items with loadings < .40 and presented better fit. Next, 184 Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) completed the IHSS and IEE. The CFA compared two 16-item models: a unifactorial model (χ2 = 221.13; df = 104; χ2/df = 2.13; TFI = 0.935; TLI = 0.925; RMSEA = 0.078) and a two-factor model (χ2 = 136.56; df = 103; χ2/df = 1.33; TFI = 0.981; TLI = 0.978; RMSEA = 0.042), with the latter showing better fit. Finally, 205 young Women who have Sex with Women (WSW) completed the IHSS and IEE. The CFA compared a unifactorial model (χ2 = 260.10; df = 104; χ2/df = 2.50; TFI = 0.919; TLI = 0.906; RMSEA = 0.086) and a two-factor model (χ2 = 157.36; df = 103; χ2/df = 1.53; TFI = 0.972; TLI = 0.967; RMSEA = 0.051). The two-factor model demonstrated better fit. It is concluded that the IHSS is an instrument with validity evidence for heterosexual individuals, MSM, and WSW, and that it assesses approach styles for CS. Financing No conflict.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health LGBTQ Health Identity and Policy Psychometric Methodologies and Testing

Publication details

Journal / source
The Journal of Sexual Medicine
Volume
23
Issue
Supplement_1
Publication date
1 February 2026
Language
EN