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Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST)
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About Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST)
Scale Name
Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST)
Author Details
Patrick J. Carnes
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST) is a clinically oriented screening instrument developed to identify patterns of sexual behavior that may reflect compulsivity or addictive tendencies. Introduced by Patrick J. Carnes, a pioneer in the field of sexual addiction research, the SAST emerged in response to the growing need for structured tools capable of assessing problematic sexual behaviors within therapeutic and clinical settings.
The instrument is grounded in the conceptual framework of behavioral addiction, where certain patterns of sexual activity are characterized by loss of control, continued engagement despite adverse consequences, and psychological dependence. The SAST was designed to help clinicians differentiate between normative variations in sexual behavior and those that may indicate maladaptive or compulsive patterns requiring further evaluation. It reflects early theoretical models that conceptualize sexual addiction similarly to substance use disorders, emphasizing cycles of preoccupation, ritualization, acting out, and despair.
Primarily used in clinical, counseling, and rehabilitation contexts, the SAST functions as an initial screening tool rather than a diagnostic instrument. It facilitates open discussion about sensitive behaviors, supports clinical judgment, and aids in identifying individuals who may benefit from more comprehensive psychological assessment or intervention. Its structured format allows for consistent evaluation across diverse populations, contributing to its widespread adoption in both private practice and specialized treatment programs.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the Official Copy: Acquire the SAST through authorized publishers, the original author’s distribution channels, or licensed clinical resources.
- Explain the Purpose: Inform respondents that the tool assesses patterns of sexual behavior and related concerns, without disclosing specific content or interpretation criteria.
- Provide Instructions: Ask respondents to answer honestly based on their typical experiences and behaviors, using the provided response format (e.g., yes/no).
- Time Required: The scale generally takes approximately 10–15 minutes to complete.
- Administer the Scale: The SAST can be administered by trained mental health professionals in clinical, counseling, or research settings, ensuring confidentiality, informed consent, and sensitivity to the personal nature of the content.
Reliability and Validity
Research on the Sexual Addiction Screening Test suggests that it demonstrates acceptable psychometric properties for use as a preliminary screening tool. Studies examining the instrument have reported satisfactory internal consistency, indicating that the items collectively measure a coherent construct related to sexually compulsive behavior.
Test–retest reliability findings suggest that the instrument provides relatively stable results over time when administered under consistent conditions. In terms of construct validity, the SAST has been shown to align with theoretical models of behavioral addiction and correlates with related constructs such as impulsivity, compulsivity, and psychological distress.
Criterion-related validity has been explored through comparisons with clinical diagnoses and other behavioral addiction measures, supporting its utility in identifying individuals who may require further clinical evaluation. However, as with many screening tools in emerging areas of behavioral addiction, psychometric findings vary across populations and study designs.
Published research indicates acceptable reliability and validity for use in psychological research and screening; however, specific numerical coefficients vary across studies.
Available Versions
45-Items
Reference
Carnes, P. J. (1983). Out of the shadows: Understanding sexual addiction. CompCare Publishers.
Carnes, P. J., Green, B. A., & Carnes, S. (2010). The same yet different: Refocusing the Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST) to reflect orientation and gender. Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity, 17(1), 7–30.
Carnes, P. J. (2001). Facing the shadow (2nd ed.). Gentle Path Press.
© 2008 PJ Carnes, Sexual Addiction Screening Test – Revised.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the SAST measure?
It screens for patterns of sexual behavior that may indicate compulsivity or addictive tendencies.
Who can use this scale?
Primarily trained mental health professionals in clinical or counseling settings.
Is the SAST a diagnostic tool?
No, it is a screening instrument and should be followed by comprehensive clinical assessment.
How long does it take to complete?
Typically 10–15 minutes.
Is the SAST freely available?
Some versions may be accessible, but official use often requires authorized access or licensing.
Can it be used in research?
Yes, it is commonly used in research on behavioral addictions and sexual health.
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