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). The total raw score is calculated as the sum of all "Yes" responses, ranging from 0 to 45, with higher scores representing a greater severity of compulsive or problematic sexual behaviors. Results are processed across 16 specific behavioral and clinical dimensions. These dimensional scores are then converted into percentage-based scores for visual profiling, while overall scores categorize symptom severity from Minimal to Very High.
Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST) Questionnaire
Below is the Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST), a digitally adapted 45- items self-assessment questionnaire. Read each statement carefully. For each statement, choose either "Yes" (1) if it accurately describes your behavior, thoughts, or experiences, or "No" (0) if it does not. Answer honestly based on your typical experiences over recent months. There are no right or wrong answers.
Sources
- P J Carnes . Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST). Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity Research Literature. .
- P J Carnes . Don't Call It Love: Recovery From Sexual Addiction. Bantam Books. . https://archive.org/details/dontcallitlover00carn
- American Association for Sex Addiction Therapy. Sex Addiction Screening and Behavioral Addiction Research. . https://aasat.org/sex-addiction/
Version History
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.