Validity and Reliability of Normal Sexual Behavior Scale in Iranian Children

The validation of an effective scale in the field of normal sexual behavior in children can create a comprehensive program for educating parents and psychologists to prevent potential problems in this regard. This study aimed to determine the reliability and validity of normal sexual behavior scale in Iranian children. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study in which the validity and reliability of children sexual behavior index (CSBI) were assessed on 230 Iranian children who had referred to Sheikh's Hospital in Mashhad between October to March 2015. Questionnaire was translated into Persian, and under the control of experts, 15 items that were consistant with Iraninan culture and determinant, selected as appropriate items in assessing normal sexual behavior in children. The method of data collection was fieldwork and using the questionnaire completing by the child's parents. According to the data, the items of speaking about sexual issues and the extent of questioning about sexual issues and the child's tendency to touch the adults and the child's tendency to kiss the adults had the highest correlation that was above 50%. This study supported the quadratic model, which evaluated the contents of the questionnaire and each factor was named based on the content. The first factor was named as mental busy with sexual issues, the second factor as sexual desire, the third factor as Self-disciplined, and the fourth factor as tendency to spontaneity. Cronbach's alpha for children normal sexual behavior index was 0.77 and Cronbach's alpha for each of the components was calculated between 0.75 and 0.78. The present study indicated that children normal sexual behavior index has high internal consistency and can be applied as a suitable tool by researches for evaluation of children's sexual health.