Validation of the Orgasm Rating Scale in the Context of Masturbation

Abstract

Background: The Orgasm Rating Scale (ORS) assesses the subjective experience of orgasm. Its psychometric properties have only been examined in the context of sexual intercourse. This study aims to validate the ORS in the context of solitary masturbation. Methods: A sample of 1,171 men and 1,424 women aged 18-83 years (M = 40.51, SD = 12.07) completed the ORS in the solitary masturbation context along with other scales to assess sexual attitudes, solitary sexual desire, propensity for sexual arousal/inhibition, and sexual functioning.  Results: A four-dimensional structure was confirmed, similar to the homologous version for the context of sexual intercourse. Measures obtained from the ORS were sex and age invariant, exhibited adequate internal consistency, discriminated between people with orgasmic difficulties, and were associated with related variables. Conclusions: The ORS is a multidimensional measure that provides reliable, valid measures of the subjective experience of orgasm in the context of solitary masturbation..