title: Confirmatory factor analysis of the female sexual function index.
abstract: The Female Sexual Functioning Index (Rosen et al.,  2000 ) was designed to assess the key dimensions of female sexual functioning using six domains: desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. A full-scale score was proposed to represent women's overall sexual function. The fifth revision to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) is currently underway and includes a proposal to combine desire and arousal problems. The objective of this article was to evaluate and compare four models of the Female Sexual Functioning Index: (a) single-factor model, (b) six-factor model, (c) second-order factor model, and (4) five-factor model combining the desire and arousal subscales. Cross-sectional and observational data from 85 women were used to conduct a confirmatory factor analysis on the Female Sexual Functioning Index. Local and global goodness-of-fit measures, the chi-square test of differences, squared multiple correlations, and regression weights were used. The single-factor model fit was not acceptable. The original six-factor model was confirmed, and good model fit was found for the second-order and five-factor models. Delta chi-square tests of differences supported best fit for the six-factor model validating usage of the six domains. However, when revisions are made to the DSM-5, the Female Sexual Functioning Index can adapt to reflect these changes and remain a valid assessment tool for women's sexual functioning, as the five-factor structure was also supported.
authors: Department of Family Relations and Applied Human Nutrition, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
authors: Emily A
authors: EA
authors: Opperman
authors: Lindsay E
authors: LE
authors: Benson
authors: Robin R
authors: RR
authors: Milhausen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D064887:Observational Studies as Topic; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000295:instrumentation; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*; D019529:Sexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*; D055815:Young Adult