Development of the Partner Version of the Self-Efficacy to Communicate about Sex and Intimacy (SECSI-PV) Scale in the Context of Cancer Survivorship

2024  Journal Article

Development of the Partner Version of the Self-Efficacy to Communicate about Sex and Intimacy (SECSI-PV) Scale in the Context of Cancer Survivorship

Pub TLDR

This study developed the Partner Version of the Self-Efficacy to Communicate about Sex and Intimacy (SECSI-PV) scale, focusing on the context of cancer survivorship. Through expert input and cognitive interviews with partners of female cancer survivors, the scale's content validity was assessed, revealing that participants found the items relevant and clear. The research underscores the importance of involving partners in sexual health discussions and suggests further validation of the instrument in diverse populations.

 

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to develop the Partner Version of the Self-Efficacy to Communicate about Sex and Intimacy (SECSI-PV) scale.

Methods

Candidate items derived from the patient version of the instrument were refined with input from an expert panel specializing in sexual health, psychosocial oncology, and instrument development (n = 6). Partners (n = 17) of female cancer survivors participated in cognitive interviews to assess the revised scale’s content validity.

Results

Transcripts were analyzed qualitatively. Participants endorsed the items as relevant, clear, and appropriate.

Conclusions

The present work illustrates the iterative development of the SECSI-PV scale. The study highlights the importance of including partners in sexual health discussions and emphasizes the need for psychosocial interventions supporting partners’ confidence communicating about sexuality and intimacy. Additional research is recommended to validate the instrument in larger samples encompassing cancer types that are not sex-based and partners from diverse backgrounds, including sexual and gender minority groups.

Acquati, C., Chen, Q., Arthur, E.K., Reese, J.B., Gorman, J.R. (2024) Development of the Partner Version of the Self-Efficacy to Communicate about Sex and Intimacy (SECSI-PV) Scale in the Context of Cancer SurvivorshipJournal of Psychosocial Oncology