The German version of the Bergen Yale Sex Addiction Scale (BYSAS): psychometric properties and initial steps of validation

TL;DR

This study introduces a German version of a questionnaire to screen for problematic excessive sexual behavior and evaluates its reliability and validity.

Contribution

The paper presents the first German version of the Bergen Yale Sex Addiction Scale and its initial validation.

Findings

The German BYSAS shows a one-factorial structure and acceptable reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.77).

2.03% of participants were identified as 'high risk' for sex addiction.

The scale correlates with psychiatric symptoms, suggesting potential as a screening tool.

Abstract

This study presents the German version of the Bergen Yale Sex Addiction Scale (BYSAS). The questionnaire screens for different risk levels of problematic excessive sexual behavior (“hypersexuality”).

Based on an online sample (N = 492), a confirmatory factor analysis as well as other reliability analysis were conducted. Demographic characteristics of the sample were also assessed. The BYSAS was validated with psychiatric symptoms.

Global fit statistics indicate a one-factorial structure of the BYSAS. Cronbach’s α was 0.77. 2.03% of the study participants were categorized as “high risk” regarding sex addiction.

Initial results suggest that the German version of the BYSAS is a promising screening instrument for sex addiction. However, further validation in clinical populations is essential to ensure generalizability and clinical utility. In addition, different risk levels as well as the mechanisms underlying hypersexuality need to be examined more closely.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40359-025-02445-1.

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