Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Current Sexual Health Reports 2/2024

23-02-2024

Measuring Sexual Function in Gender Minority Individuals: A Critical Review

Authors: Megan S. Henkelman, Jill A. Jacobson, Caroline F. Pukall

Published in: Current Sexual Health Reports | Issue 2/2024

Login to get access

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Critically assess and evaluate existing measures of sexual function developed for and validated in gender minority individuals (e.g., transgender, non-binary, Two-Spirit, intersex individuals). Provide recommendations for the development of gender minority inclusive measures of sexual function.

Recent Findings

The present review describes the measurement development processes and psychometric properties of sexual function assessment tools that have been developed for and validated in gender minority individuals. Two measures of sexual function were recently developed with the intention of being used specifically in gender diverse groups. The Transmasculine Sexual Function Index (TM-SFI) for sexually active transmasculine individuals with cervixes was adapted from the six-item Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The Operated Male-to-Female Sexual Function Index (oMtFSFI) is for individuals who have received gender-affirming surgery (GAS), specifically penile skin inversion vaginoplasty. Although the TM-SFI is validated for use in English, the oMtFSFI is currently validated for use only in Italian. Psychometric properties of both measures are discussed, and recommendations for equity-informed measurement applicable to gender minority individuals are provided.

Summary

We present a critical review focused on the psychometric properties of two measures of sexual function for gender minority adults. Existing gaps with current measurement tools for this population are discussed, and recommendations are made using best practices in equity-informed measure development relevant to this population.
Literature
6.
go back to reference Milhausen R, Sakaluk J, Fisher T, Davis C, Yarger W. Handbook of sexuality-related measures. 4th ed. New York: Routledge; 2020. Milhausen R, Sakaluk J, Fisher T, Davis C, Yarger W. Handbook of sexuality-related measures. 4th ed. New York: Routledge; 2020.
7.
go back to reference Rosen R, Rosen R, Brown C, Heiman J, Leiblum S, Meston C, Shabsigh R, Ferguson D, Berman J, Fourcroy J, Laan E, Monica S, Phillips N. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI): a multidimensional self-report instrument for the assessment of female sexual function. J Sex Marital Ther. 2000;26:25–25. Rosen R, Rosen R, Brown C, Heiman J, Leiblum S, Meston C, Shabsigh R, Ferguson D, Berman J, Fourcroy J, Laan E, Monica S, Phillips N. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI): a multidimensional self-report instrument for the assessment of female sexual function. J Sex Marital Ther. 2000;26:25–25.
13.
go back to reference Vedovo F, Di Blas L, Aretusi F, Falcone M, Perin C, Pavan N, Satta M, Bucci S, Morelli G, Cocci A, Delle Rose A, Grisanti SC, Gentile G, Colombo F, Timpano M, Verze P, Spirito L, Bettocchi SC, Giulio Garaffa G, Palmieri A, Mirone V, Trombetta C. Operated Male-to-Female Sexual Function Index: validity of the first questionnaire developed to assess sexual function after male-to-female gender affirming surgery. J Urol. 2020;204:115–20. https://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000000791.CrossRefPubMed Vedovo F, Di Blas L, Aretusi F, Falcone M, Perin C, Pavan N, Satta M, Bucci S, Morelli G, Cocci A, Delle Rose A, Grisanti SC, Gentile G, Colombo F, Timpano M, Verze P, Spirito L, Bettocchi SC, Giulio Garaffa G, Palmieri A, Mirone V, Trombetta C. Operated Male-to-Female Sexual Function Index: validity of the first questionnaire developed to assess sexual function after male-to-female gender affirming surgery. J Urol. 2020;204:115–20. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1097/​JU.​0000000000000791​.CrossRefPubMed
19.
go back to reference McNeish D. Thanks coefficient alpha, we’ll take it from here. Psychol Methods. 2018;23(3):412–33.CrossRefPubMed McNeish D. Thanks coefficient alpha, we’ll take it from here. Psychol Methods. 2018;23(3):412–33.CrossRefPubMed
24.
go back to reference Cronbach LJ. Coefficient alpha and the internal structure of tests. Psychometrika. 1951;16(3):297–334.CrossRef Cronbach LJ. Coefficient alpha and the internal structure of tests. Psychometrika. 1951;16(3):297–334.CrossRef
26.
go back to reference MacKenzie SB, Podsakoff PM, Podsakoff NP. Construct measurement and validation procedures in MIS and behavioral research: integrating new and existing techniques. MIS Q. 2011;35:293–334.CrossRef MacKenzie SB, Podsakoff PM, Podsakoff NP. Construct measurement and validation procedures in MIS and behavioral research: integrating new and existing techniques. MIS Q. 2011;35:293–334.CrossRef
32.
go back to reference DeVellis RF, Thorpe CT. Scale development : theory and applications. 5th ed. SAGE Publications, Inc; 2022. DeVellis RF, Thorpe CT. Scale development : theory and applications. 5th ed. SAGE Publications, Inc; 2022.
Metadata
Title
Measuring Sexual Function in Gender Minority Individuals: A Critical Review
Authors
Megan S. Henkelman
Jill A. Jacobson
Caroline F. Pukall
Publication date
23-02-2024
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Sexual Health Reports / Issue 2/2024
Print ISSN: 1548-3584
Electronic ISSN: 1548-3592
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-024-00382-5