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Brief Sexual Attitudes Scale (BSAS)

Brief Sexual Attitudes Scale (BSAS)

What is your sexual attitude?

People vary widely in how they think about sex. Clyde Hendrick, Susan S. Hendrick, and Darcy A. Reich at Texas Tech University have studied this topic since 1987, often with college student samples. Their measures were refined over time, and a shorter form appeared in 2006 (often called the BSAS). This page uses that brief format.

BSAS

Four subscales capture different attitudes:
Permissiveness — openness to casual sex and multiple partners
Birth control — taking responsibility for contraception
Communion — viewing sex as emotional bonding with a partner
Instrumentality — viewing sex mainly as physical pleasure

Here, each subscale is scored from 1 to 5 (average across its items). Lower scores mean stronger agreement with that subscale’s items; higher scores mean more disagreement.

Source:

Instructions

Listed below are several statements that reflect different attitudes about sex. For each statement select the response on the answer scale that indicates how much you agree or disagree with that statement.

Whenever possible, answer the questions with your current partner in mind. If you are not currently dating anyone, answer the questions with your most recent partner in mind. If you have never had a sexual relationship, answer in terms of what you think your responses would most likely be.

Disclaimer

This test is provided strictly for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes and should not be used to make important decisions. It is not psychological or medical advice.

1. I do not need to be committed to a person to have sex with him/her.
2. Casual sex is acceptable.
3. I would like to have sex with many partners.
4. One night stands are sometimes very enjoyable.
5. It is okay to have ongoing sexual relationships with more than one person at a time.
6. Sex as a simple exchange of favors is okay if both people agree to it.
7. The best sex is with no strings attached.
8. Life would have fewer problems if people could have sex more freely.
9. It is possible to enjoy sex with a person and not like that person very much..
10. It is okay for sex to be just good physical release.

Why should I know my sexual attitudes?

It helps you better understand your boundaries and expectations from a partner. Conflicts often arise from a mismatch in core attitudes (e.g., one values "intimacy" while the other values "functionality").

Can my attitudes change over time?

Yes. They are influenced by life experience, new relationships, therapy, and even changes in cultural environment. Sexual attitudes are a dynamic structure that can transform as you grow.

If I have conservative attitudes, does it mean I'm not prone to experimentation?

Not necessarily. A person can have an attitude focused on "intimacy" (sex only through love) but still be very open to experimentation within those stable and trusting relationships.

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