Measuring Automatic Cognitive Responses to Erotic Stimuli Using Implicit Association Tests: Reliability and Validity Aspects

Recently, implicit associations have been forwarded as relevant cognitive determinants of sexual desire and arousal. In the present study, using a cross-sectional design, implicit association tests (IAT) were used to measure the strength of automatic associations of erotic stimuli with positive versus negative valence (liking IAT) and with wanting versus not wanting (wanting IAT). The internal consistency and temporal stability, and the construct and criterion validity of the IATs were investigated. Additionally, the effects of stimulus mode on the psychometric properties of these IATs were examined. For this purpose, picture-and-word and full-picture IAT versions of the liking and wanting IATs were compared. Sexual function was measured using the Female Sexual Function Index for women and the International Index of Erectile Function for men. To examine the construct and criterion validity of the IATs, the Sexual Opinion Survey (SOS) and the Sexual Thoughts Questionnaire (STQ) were administered. A community sample was examined (N = 335 total; 234 women). The internal consistency and temporal stability of all IATs were found satisfactory to excellent. The criterion validity of the IATs demonstrated only a few small-size correlations with explicit sexual attitudes. Contrary to similar previous research, the IATs did not predict sexual function level. Speculative explanations for these unexpected findings are presented.