Testing the Internal Consent Scale for Measurement Invariance Across Women and Men

Abstract The Internal Consent Scale (ICS) was created to measure feelings associated with a person’s willingness engage in partnered sexual activity. Although previous studies using the ICS have assessed gender differences, evidence has not been provided suggest that functions similarly for women and men. Using data from an online cross-sectional survey of adults ( N = 874; 53.1% women), we subjected 25-item tests measurement invariance across gender. We found only partial tenable, which indicated direct comparisons should be interpreted caution when ICS. Therefore, gender-invariant short form. In support construct validity, this 15-item ICS–Short Form demonstrated similar associations measures consent communication as full If researchers aim compare men on internal consent, recommend Form. Cognitive interviews conducted further understand how might differentially interpret items.