Sexual Assertiveness Across Cultures, Genders, and Sexual Orientations: Validation of the Short Sexual Assertiveness Questionnaire (SAQ-9)
- Sungkyunkwan University's Research Team,
- Léna Nagy(corresponding author)(Author),
- Mónika Koós(Author),
- Dr Shane W. Kraus(Author),
- Zsolt Demetrovics(Author),
- Marc N. Potenza(Author)
- Sungkyunkwan University,
- Elte Eötvös Loránd University,
- University of Duisburg- Essen,
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas,
- Flinders University,
- University of Gibraltar
Publication Information
Output type
Original language
EnglishPages from-to (Number of pages)
Pages 254-274 (21 pages)Journal (Volume, Issue Number)
Assessment (Volume 33, Issue 2)Publication milestones
- Accepted/In press - 2025
- Published - 03/2026
Publication status
ISSN
1073-1911Publication IDs
- Scopus: 105008200734
Abstract
Sexual assertiveness (SA) is an important concept in understanding sexual well-being and decision-making. However, psychometric evaluation of existing measures of SA in diverse populations is largely lacking, hindering cross-cultural and comparative studies. This study validated the short version of the Sexual Assertiveness Questionnaire (SAQ-9) and examined its measurement invariance across several languages, countries, genders, sexual orientations, and relationship statuses among 65,448 sexually-active adults (Mage = 32.98 years, SD = 12.08, 58% women, 2.74% gender-diverse individuals) taking part in the International Sex Survey. The scale demonstrated adequate psychometric properties. Measurement invariance tests indicated that the SAQ-9 is suitable for comparing individuals from different cultures, genders, sexual orientations, and relationship statuses, and significant group differences were also noted (e.g., gender-diverse individuals reported the highest levels of SA). Findings suggest that the SAQ-9 is a reliable and valid measure of SA and appropriate for use in diverse populations, with specific populations exhibiting varying levels of SA.