A Psychometric report on Yost's Attitudes toward Sadomasochism Scale

Abstract

We collected data from three samples of participants who completed
Yost's (2010) Attitudes about Sadomasochism Scale (ASMS) along with a
number of other related measures with the goal of providing independent
validation of the ASMS. Using a small, university sample and two larger
internet samples, we provided concurrent validity by presenting
moderate-to-strong correlations of the ASMS with a BDSM semantic
differential attitude scale, interest in sadomasochism items, and selfassessed
sadomasochism knowledge. Further, the ASMS correlated
well with measures of erotophobia--erotophilia (i.e., personal comfort
with sexuality). There were differences on the ASMS and its subscales
based on participant sexual orientation, with sexual minorities
demonstrating more favorable scores on the ASMS compared to
heterosexuals. Also, those who self-reported that they were more
religious were less favorable on the ASMS. There were no differences on
the ASMS as a function of gender (men versus women), age cohort,
regional location in the US, or environmental residence (rural,
suburban, or urban). A confirmatory factor analysis supported Yost's
original factor structure although deletion of a two-item subscale was
recommended. In general, attitudes toward sadomaschism were
slightly favorable for the entire sample. We concluded that the ASMS is a
valid and reliable measure for the assessment of attitudes toward
sadomasochism and recommend its use in future investigations.