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Sexual Experiences Survey (SES) – Perpetration Version
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About Sexual Experiences Survey (SES) – Perpetration Version
Scale Name
Sexual Experiences Survey (SES) – Perpetration Version
Author Details
Mary P. Koss, Christine A. Gidycz, and Cheryl J. Oros (1982, 1985); Mary P. Koss, Christine A. Gidycz, and Nadine Wisniewski (1987)
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Sexual Experiences Survey – Perpetration Version (SES-P), developed by Koss and Oros (1982), Koss and Gidycz (1985), and Koss, Gidycz, and Wisniewski (1987), is a 10-item self-report scale designed to measure four types of sexual perpetration—unwanted sexual contact, sexual coercion, attempted rape, and completed rape—among male college students. Published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, the SES-P uses behaviorally specific questions to assess perpetration behaviors (e.g., using force, threats, or incapacitation to engage in sexual acts). It complements the SES – Victimization Version, focusing on the prevalence of sexual aggression in higher education settings.
Participants respond “yes” or “no” to indicate whether they have perpetrated specific behaviors over their lifetime or a specified period (e.g., past year). The SES-P was validated with a national sample of 2,972 male college students (mean age ≈ 20 years, U.S.-based), finding that 10–15% reported perpetrating some form of sexual aggression, including 3–7% for completed rape. The scale correlates with aggression measures (r ≈ 0.30–0.50), hostile masculinity (r ≈ 0.35–0.55), and relationship conflict (r ≈ 0.25–0.45). It is used in clinical psychology, criminology, and public health to assess sexual perpetration, inform prevention programs, and guide intervention strategies. Note: At the time of the referenced publications, the SES was undergoing revision, and new psychometric data were pending. For updates, contact Mary Koss at mpk@email.arizona.edu.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the measure from Koss and Oros (1982), Koss and Gidycz (1985), Koss et al. (1987), or contact Mary Koss (mpk@email.arizona.edu) for the latest version, ensuring ethical permissions.
- Explain to participants (male college students) that the questionnaire assesses sexual behaviors they may have perpetrated, emphasizing confidentiality and voluntary participation.
- Administer the 10-item scale in a classroom, clinical, or controlled setting, using paper or digital formats, with instructions to report lifetime or past-year perpetration experiences.
- Estimated completion time is 5–8 minutes.
- Ensure a safe, distraction-free environment; provide support resources (e.g., counseling services) and adapt for accessibility (e.g., oral administration) if needed.
Reliability and Validity
The SES-P demonstrates strong psychometric properties (Koss & Gidycz, 1985). Internal consistency for males is Cronbach’s alpha = 0.89, based on a sample of college students. Test-retest reliability is high (r = 0.93 over 1 week). Criterion validity is supported by the scale’s ability to predict perpetration outcomes and align with interview-based reports (agreement ≈ 80–90%).
Convergent validity is evidenced by correlations with the Conflict Tactics Scale (r ≈ 0.40–0.60; Straus, 1979) and aggression measures (e.g., r ≈ 0.30–0.50). The scale’s unidimensional structure focuses on sexual perpetration severity, with behaviorally specific items enhancing validity. Pairing with measures like the Sexual Experiences Survey – Victimization Version (Koss et al., 1987) or the Trauma Symptom Inventory (Briere, 1995) enhances comprehensive assessment of sexual violence. Note: Revised versions (e.g., SES-SFP, 2007) may have updated psychometrics; contact Mary Koss for details.
Available Versions
11-Items
Reference
Koss, M. P., & Gidycz, C. A. (1985). Sexual experiences survey: reliability and validity. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 53(3), 422.
Koss, M. P., Gidycz, C. A., & Wisniewski, N. (1987). The scope of rape: incidence and prevalence of sexual aggression and victimization in a national sample of higher education students. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 55(2), 162.
Koss, M. P., & Oros, C. J. (1982). Sexual Experiences Survey: a research instrument investigating sexual aggression and victimization. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 50(3), 455.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Sexual Experiences Survey – Perpetration Version measure?
It measures perpetration of unwanted sexual contact, coercion, attempted rape, and completed rape.
Who is the target population?
Male college students.
How long does it take to administer?
Approximately 5–8 minutes.
Can it inform interventions?
Yes, it identifies perpetration patterns to guide prevention and intervention programs.
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