Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST)

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.

  Yes No
1. Were you sexually abused as a child or adolescent?
2. Did your parents have trouble with sexual behavior?
3. Do you often find yourself preoccupied with sexual thoughts?
4. Do you feel that your sexual behavior is not normal?
5. Do you ever feel bad about your sexual behavior?
6. Has your sexual behavior ever created problems for you and your family?
7. Have you ever sought help for sexual behavior you did not like?
8. Has anyone been hurt emotionally because of your sexual behavior?
9. Are any of your sexual activities against the law?
10. Have you made efforts to quit a type of sexual activity and failed?
11. Do you hide some of your sexual behaviors from others?
12. Have you attempted to stop some parts of your sexual activity?
13. Have you felt degraded by your sexual behaviors?
14. When you have sex, do you feel depressed afterwards?
15. Do you feel controlled by your sexual desire?
16. Have important parts of your life (such as job, family, friends, leisure activities) been neglected because you were spending too much time on sex?
17. Do you ever think your sexual desire is stronger than you are?
18. Is sex almost all you think about?
19. Has sex (or romantic fantasies) been a way for you to escape your problems?
20. Has sex become the most important thing in your life?
21. Are you in crisis over sexual matters?
22. The internet has created sexual problems for me.
23. I spend too much time online for sexual purposes.
24. I have purchased services online for erotic purposes (sites for dating)
25. I have used the internet to make romantic or erotic connections with people online.
26. People in my life have been upset about my sexual activities online.
27. I have attempted to stop my online sexual behaviors.
28. I have subscribed to or regularly purchased or rented sexually explicit materials (magazines, videos, books or online pornography).
29. I have been sexual with minors.
30. I have spent considerable time and money on strip clubs, adult bookstores and movie houses.
31. I have engaged prostitutes and escorts to satisfy my sexual needs.
32. I have spent considerable time surfing pornography online.
33. I have used magazines, videos or online pornography even when there was considerable risk of being caught by family members who would be upset by my behavior.
34. I have regularly purchased romantic novels or sexually explicit magazines.
35. I have stayed in romantic relationships after they became emotionally abusive.
36. I have traded sex for money or gifts.
37. I have maintained multiple romantic or sexual relationships at the same time.
38. After sexually acting out, I sometimes refrain from all sex for a significant period.
39. I have regularly engaged in sadomasochistic behavior.
40. I visit sexual bath-houses, sex clubs or video/bookstores as part of my regular sexual activity.
41. I have engaged in unsafe or “risky” sex even though I knew it could cause me harm.
42. I have cruised public restrooms, rest areas or parks looking for sex with strangers.
43. I believe casual or anonymous sex has kept me from having more long-term intimate relationships.
44. My sexual behavior has put me at risk for arrest for lewd conduct or public indecency.
45. I have been paid for sex.
Sources
  1. © 2008 PJ Carnes, Sexual Addiction Screening Test - Revised.