When it comes to sexual expression and desires, we're all about the 'you do you' vibes (and literal vibes too, come to think of it) – but, it turns out, if you're in the market for a more concrete label defining how 'kinky' you are... science has developed a test and scale to help determine exactly that.
A new study published in the Journal of Sex Research looks at the recently developed 'Kink Orientation Scale', designed by Dr Liam Wignall, who lectures in the Department of Psychology at the University of Brighton, along with a team of researchers.
Speaking on X, Wignall said the test "measures kink orientation (identities, attitudes, behaviours, and desires)" and that the "higher the score on the scale, the more likely you are to be kinky (in simple terms)". He added that it was four years in the making.
The scale looks not only at the type of sex people are actually having IRL, but also desires that could be classed as 'kinky', even if they're never acted upon.
But what actually is 'kinky'? Typically we might think of S&M, or a preference for wearing certain garments (usually latex or leather), but the researchers who created the scale – which is based on 18 questions – dig into everything from your thoughts on casual hook-ups, the pleasure-pain connection during sex and using toys in the bedroom. And again, the team behind the Kink Orientation Scale are keen to make clear that kink is kind of a nebulous and complex thing to define. So basically, don't stress if you have no clue how you feel about any of it!
The group of researchers also wanted to ensure they included people who didn't typically identify as or think of themselves as 'kinky' when building the scale, as well as those who are fully embedded in kink subcultures and communities.
Keen to see where you fall on the scale of 1 to kinky AF? Take the speedy test here.
Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC’s Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women’s Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
