Development and Validation of the Postsex Experience (P-SES) Scale

INTRODUCTION: There is little systematized research on the postsex phase of the sexual cycle, due in part to the absence of literature on the period immediately following sexual activity. AIM: The paper describes the development and validation of the Postsex Experience Scale (P-SES), an instrument designed to measure the psychological dimensions of the postsex period of the human sexual response cycle. METHODS: Scale development involved (a) item construction, selection, and subsequent validation through item analysis, and (b) a factor analysis of the item intercorrelations of the P-SES and the establishment of its factorial validity, based upon an online survey of 4,217 respondents. RESULTS: In the exploratory factor analysis of the psychometric structure of the scale, structures for males and females differed. 3 factors emerged, which captured the male postsex experience. These factors were labeled Sense of Sexual Alienation, Positive Connection with Self, and Feeling Connected with Partner. 4 factors best captured the female postsex experience and were labeled Self-Loathing, Positive Connection with Self, Sense of Being Emotionally Overwhelmed, and Feeling Connected with Partner. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: There is strong evidence for acknowledging a wide variation in postsex experience in both men and women across sexual orientations. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: Strengths include a large heterogeneous sample leading to the provision of a metric to investigate novel aspects of human sexuality. Limitations include the potential underreporting of experiences due to the structure of the scale and its reference to “general experiences” and presentation bias. CONCLUSIONS: The P-SES provides a framework for assessing the postsex experience in women and men, providing opportunities to gain a better understanding of the variations in postsex experience. Schweitzer RD, du Plessis G, Maczkowiack J, et al. Development and Validation of the Post Sex Experience (P-SES) Scale. Sex Med 2021;9:100291.