Sexual Boredom Inventory (SBI): Development and Initial Validation

• Published in: Journal of sex & marital therapy 2025, Vol.51 (1), p.74-84
• Main Authors: de Oliveira, Leonor, Rahm-Knigge, Ryan, Ford, Jessie, Coleman, Eli, Mark, Kristen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Boredom; Discriminant analysis; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Psychometrics; Reproducibility of Results; Sexual Behavior - psychology; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological - diagnosis; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological - psychology; Surveys and Questionnaires - standards; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0092-623X; 1521-0715; 1521-0715
• DOI: 10.1080/0092623X.2024.2442944

This study presents the development and validation of the Sexual Boredom Inventory (SBI), a 6-item measure assessing sexual boredom as a temporary, context-dependent state. Initial items were drafted from data obtained through qualitative analysis, and the SBI was tested using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with a sample of adults reporting on their sexual experiences in the past month. A single-factor model was found to be the best fit, with four items dropped during refinement. The SBI demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = .88) and evidence of discriminant validity, with significant negative correlations to sexual pleasure and well-being. Additionally, the SBI was positively correlated with attention difficulties and impulsivity, highlighting a link between sexual boredom and ADHD. Findings suggest that sexual boredom, as a transient experience, is associated with negative sexual outcomes. Further research should confirm these relationships and potential interventions. The SBI can serve as a valuable tool for assessing recent sexual boredom and differentiating it from other sexual concerns.