The index of male genital image: a new scale to assess male genital satisfaction

Abstract

Purpose: Male genital image is related to overall body image, psychosocial variables and sexual health. Unfortunately, little scientific literature exists on male genital image, while scales to measure it tend to be limited in scope, not well validated and are based on homogenous populations. We evaluated the reliability and validity of a comprehensive scale that would be useful in clinical settings and as a research outcome.

Materials and methods: Items were generated from the literature and examined in the research group. Five experts rated items for content validity. The Index of Male Genital Image questionnaire was created. This questionnaire and a number of other psychosocial and health related questions were combined into an online survey and posted on male health discussion boards. Main study outcome measures were a custom designed survey of demographics, physical measurements, health and sexual history, and biopsychosocial variables as well as the Index of Male Genital Image and Body Areas Satisfaction Scale.

Results: A total of 636 men responded with data suitable for analysis. A final 14-item scale was created after item deletions. Factor analysis revealed a 6-factor solution and a total scale score. The final scale was simple to administer, had good reliability and construct validity, and appeared appropriate for use in healthy and clinical populations.

Conclusions: The Index of Male Genital Image appears to be a promising measure of male genital image. Health and psychosocial variables were related to measure scores.

Keywords: BASS; Body Areas Satisfaction Scale; IMGI; Index of Male Genital Image; MGIS; Male Genital Image Scale; PCA; body image; genitalia; male; principal component analysis; psychology; psychometrics; questionnaires.