Sexual Victimization Among African American Adolescent Females: Examination of the Reliability and Validity of the Sexual Experiences Survey

• NCJ Number: 233200
• Journal: Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 21 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2006 Pages: 89-104
• Author(s): Heather Cecil; Steven C. Matson
• Date Published: January 2006
• Length: 16 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Test/Measurement; Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the reliability and validity of the Sexual Experiences Survey (SES).

Abstract

Adolescent females are disproportionately represented among reported cases of sexual victimization. Because sexual victimization is associated with an array of negative sequelae (e.g., depression, alcohol abuse), psychometrically sound instruments are urgently needed to assess sexual victimization or coercion. The investigation conducts a preliminary analysis of the reliability and validity of the Sexual Experiences Survey (SES) for a sample drawn from a high-risk populationAfrican-American adolescent females. The analyses indicate good internal consistency for the SES with this sample. Convergent validity is demonstrated. Specifically, scores on the SES are associated with significantly lower levels of self-esteem and mastery, higher levels of depression, lower levels of family cohesion, higher levels of family conflict, and higher levels of using alcohol and being a smoker. Preliminary support for discriminant validity is also obtained. This study is a stepping stone for future investigations into the psychometric evaluation of the SES. (Published Abstract)