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Psychometric evaluation of the hypersexual behavior inventory in a Brazilian sample of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men: Bifactor structure, item response theory, and preliminary classification indicators

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The Hypersexual Behavior Inventory (HBI) is a measure of dysregulated sexual behavior, but Brazilian psychometric evidence in men who have sex with men (MSM) remains limited. The present study evaluated the HBI in sample of Brazilian gay, bisexual, and other MSM ( N = 1264) using descriptive statistics, reliability with confidence intervals, external validity, graded-response item response theory, confirmatory factor, latent profile, and receiver operating characteristic analyses. Reliability was excellent (α = 0.946, 95% CI [0.942, 0.950]; ω = 0.967). Higher HBI scores were associated with greater loneliness, internalized homonegativity, depression, anxiety, and stress, and with lower self-esteem and conscientiousness/self-discipline; the strongest associations were small to moderate. The bifactor model with one general hypersexuality factor and two specific facets (Control/Consequences and Coping) showed the best fit (χ 2 (133) = 1140.63, CFI = 0.974, RMSEA = 0.078, SRMR = 0.035). Bifactor dimensional indices supported an essentially unidimensional interpretation of the unit-weighted total score, with limited specific reliability for the subscale facets. A four-profile latent solution identified a 9.8% elevated dysregulation class. Against this internally derived reference, the HBI total showed excellent internal discrimination (AUC = 0.996), with a Youden-optimal cutoff of 68 and a conservative rule-in threshold of 82. These findings support the Brazilian HBI as a psychometrically robust and culturally relevant measure of dysregulated sexual behavior in Brazilian gay, bisexual, and other MSM, with clear utility for research and preliminary, structured screening applications pending external validation against clinician-administered ICD-11-consistent criteria.

Source: Personality and Individual Differences

DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2026.114042

Authors: Felipe Alckmin-Carvalho, Iara Teixeira, Guilherme Welter Wendt, Henrique Pereira

Institutions: University of Beira Interior, Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná

Language: English

Topic: Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,170