Skip to content

Introduction

The Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST) is a specialized tool developed to help identify behaviors that may indicate sexual compulsivity or addiction. This screening instrument was created through collaborative efforts involving hospitals, treatment programs, private therapists, and community groups. The goal was to produce a reliable measure that could differentiate between behaviors that are considered addictive and those that are not, thereby aiding in the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of individuals exhibiting problematic sexual behaviors.

The SAST consists of a series of questions designed to capture a wide range of behaviors and attitudes related to sexual activity. Respondents are asked to reflect on their own experiences and answer questions that explore various aspects of sexual behavior, including frequency, emotional consequences, and interpersonal repercussions. The responses are then analyzed to produce a profile that highlights patterns indicative of sexual addiction. This profile can be a critical tool in clinical settings, providing a structured insight into an individual's sexual behavior patterns and offering a basis for further evaluation.

The design of the SAST allows it to be used in a variety of settings, from specialized treatment centers focusing on sexual addiction to private therapy practices and community-based programs. Its application is intended not just for diagnosing but also for initiating discussions about sexual health and behaviors, which can often be difficult topics for individuals to address openly. By standardizing the assessment of sexually compulsive behavior, the SAST plays a significant role in both clinical diagnosis and in the planning of appropriate intervention strategies.

The Sexual Addiction Screening Test serves as an important instrument in the field of mental health and sexual behavior assessment. Its development was informed by the need for a standardized approach to identifying and understanding sexually addictive behaviors, supporting healthcare providers in offering effective and tailored treatment solutions. The widespread use of the SAST in diverse therapeutic settings underscores its utility and effectiveness in contributing to better mental health and well-being outcomes.

Instructions

To complete the test, answer each question by placing a check next to the appropriate yes/no column.

Question 1 / 450 answered
Were you sexually abused as a child or adolescent?

Scoring and result metrics

The result page reports a local screening score for this questionnaire. Use the score range, any subscale scores, and the interpretation band together rather than treating one number as a diagnosis.

Score range
0-45
Items scored
45
Result indicators
Total score / Interpretation band when available

Score interpretation bands

  • 0-6Lower range

    Scores of 6 or below are generally not indicative of sexual addiction.

  • 7-45Elevated range

    Scores of 7 or above may indicative a problem with sexual addiction.

Interpretation bands summarize screening thresholds from the questionnaire source material. Higher scores usually indicate more of the measured concern unless the tool notes a different scoring rule.

Sources

  1. © 2008 PJ Carnes, Sexual Addiction Screening Test - Revised.

Related tests

Explore related screening tools in the same topic area.