Evaluating the Subjective Orgasm Experience: Validation of the Orgasm Rating Scale in Colombia

What is it about?

Orgasm is not merely a physical response. In recent years, interest has focused on how it is experienced subjectively. To study the complexity of this dimension of sexual response, the Orgasm Rating Scale (ORS) was developed—an assessment tool that has shown adequate psychometric properties for evaluating how orgasm is subjectively experienced in the contexts of sexual relationships and solitary masturbation in different countries such as Spain and Portugal. With the aim of ensuring and expanding the applicability of this scale across different populations and cultural contexts, this study validate the ORS in Colombia. A total of 1,097 Colombian cisgender adults aged 18 to 62 participated, completing online—alongside other scales and questionnaires—the ORS in the contexts of sexual relationships and solitary masturbation. The results confirmed that the scale maintains the structure previously validated in the Spanish population, comprising four dimensions (affective, sensory, intimacy, and rewards) in both contexts. Furthermore, ORS scores in both contexts were significantly correlated, suggesting some correspondence in how orgasm is experienced with a sexual partner and alone. Finally, the affective, sensory, and rewards dimensions were able to distinguish between individuals with and without difficulties in the ability to reach orgasm and orgasmic satisfaction, highlighting its utility in both research and clinical sexology practice.

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Photo by Flavia Carpio on Unsplash

Photo by Flavia Carpio on Unsplash

Why is it important?

These findings confirm that the ORS is a valid and reliable tool for evaluating the subjective orgasm experience, contributing to the advancement of clinical assessment and sexual therapy from an integral and culturally contextualized perspective of orgasm in the Colombian population.

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