Translation and validation of the Portuguese version of the Sexual Desire Inventory-2: assessing gender differences

Abstract

Sexual desire is a complex construct that comprises psychological, physiological, and contextual dimensions, which have been broadly studied in both research and clinical contexts. The Sexual Desire Inventory-2 (SDI-2) is a self-report measure extensively used for assessing both dyadic and solitary sexual desire. More recently, empirical studies have suggested that SDI-2 allows to assessing, in addition to solitary sexual desire, both partner- and attractive person-related dyadic sexual desire. Current study aims to translate and validate the SDI-2 for the Portuguese population, and test the availability of assessing both partner and attractive person-related dyadic sexual desire. An online sample constituted by 422 participants (211 women and 211 men) completed the SDI-2, and a set of sex-related self-report measures. According to confirmatory factor analysis, a three-factor model best fit the Portuguese version, supporting the factorial structure proposed recently, namely solitary sexual desire, partner-related, and attractive person-related dyadic sexual desire dimensions. Reliability and validity findings also revealed good to excellent values. Overall, the Portuguese version of the SDI-2 presented good psychometric properties and appears to be a valid and reliable measure for assessing both solitary and dyadic sexual desire.