Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST)

Background

The Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST) is a psychological screening instrument developed to identify patterns associated with compulsive sexual behavior, sexual preoccupation, loss of control, risky sexual behavior, and relational difficulties connected to sexual activities. The scale is commonly used in behavioral addiction research, counseling settings, and clinical screening environments.

The SAST evaluates multiple dimensions related to problematic sexual behavior, including compulsive sexual thoughts, emotional distress, secrecy, relationship impairment, online sexual behavior, impulsivity, risky sexual conduct, and difficulties controlling sexual urges.

Research has suggested that compulsive sexual behavior may share characteristics with behavioral addictions and impulse-control difficulties, including craving, repetitive engagement despite consequences, emotional regulation problems, and impaired functioning in daily life.

The SAST is intended as a screening instrument only and does not provide a formal diagnosis. Results should be interpreted cautiously and evaluated alongside professional clinical assessment, psychological history, and broader mental health factors.

Procedure

You will be presented with a series of statements related to sexual thoughts, behaviors, emotions, and experiences. Read each statement carefully and answer honestly based on your typical experiences and behaviors.

There are no right or wrong answers. Honest responses provide the most meaningful results.

Participation

This assessment is intended for adults interested in exploring patterns related to compulsive sexual behavior, sexual preoccupation, emotional coping, impulsivity, and relational functioning. Participation is voluntary and responses should reflect genuine experiences.

Scoring & Interpretation

Each item is scored using a binary response format:
0 = No
1 = Yes

Higher scores may indicate greater tendencies toward compulsive or problematic sexual behavior patterns. Results may include dimensional analysis across several behavioral domains, including:
- Sexual Preoccupation
- Emotional Distress
- Loss of Control
- Online Sexual Behavior
- Relationship Impact
- Risky Sexual Behavior
- Compulsive Sexual Tendencies

The final report provides a percentage-based overview of behavioral tendencies and screening indicators.


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Translations

This assessment may be available in multiple languages to improve accessibility for broader audiences. Translations are adapted for readability while preserving the psychological meaning of the original statements.

Help translate or improve existing translations to make this assessment accessible worldwide. Approved contributors may receive public credit on the translation page.

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Changelogs

v1.0 – Initial release of the SAST module.
v1.1 – Added dimensional scoring system.
v1.2 – Improved online sexual behavior analysis.
v1.3 – Enhanced reporting structure and interpretation.
v1.4 – Added multilingual support and responsive layout improvements.



Sources
1. Patrick J. Carnes. Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST). Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity Research Literature. 2. Patrick J. Carnes. Don't Call It Love: Recovery From Sexual Addiction. Bantam Books. 1991. 3. Clinical literature on compulsive sexual behavior and behavioral addiction assessment.