Validation of the Enjoyment of Sexualization Scales in a Midlife Sample
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Abstract
Enjoyment of Sexualization (ES) describes one’s perception of sexualized attention. While ES has been studied in younger samples of women, limited research has addressed how ES functions among men, or at midlife. This study validated the factor structure of the ES scales (Liss et al., 2011; Visser et al., 2014) among a midlife sample and demonstrated construct validity. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted on each of the ES scales. Measurement invariance across age groups and parental status was tested. CFA indicated that the model fit well for both scales, with each model reaching appropriate thresholds across most of the fit indices (Kline, 2015.) Invariance was not established for the male and female scales. Relationships between self-perceived sexual attractiveness and ODSC supported the construct validity. Sexuality has implications for broader wellbeing, at midlife and beyond, and as such it is imperative that the research being conducted uses valid measures.