The Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS, or "quad-S") is a 501(c)(3) non-profit professional membership organization "dedicated to advancing knowledge of sexuality and communicating scientifically based sexuality research and scholarship to professionals, policy makers, and the general public." SSSS was originally incorporated in 1966 as The Society for the Scientific Study of Sex, but in 1996, the name was expanded to The Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality to better reflect the wide range of members’ research interests and because the term “sex” was often interpreted narrowly to refer only to “sexual behavior.” The membership includes anthropologists, biologists, educators, historians, nurses, physicians, psychologists, sociologists, theologians, therapists, and others. SSSS produces the Journal of Sex Research, a scholarly journal currently published by Taylor & Francis.
History
Although the 21st Century boasts of a diversity of organizations focused on sexuality, such was not the case in the early 20th Century. As noted by Bullough, early 20th century sex research focused on social hygiene concerns, primarily the elimination of venereal diseases and prostitution. Post WWII, there was growth in interest in the field because of the research of Alfred Kinsey and researchers at the National Council of Family Relations. A need to support researchers across the United States fueled the initial development of SSSS and its journal. The individuals credited with forming SSSS were Hans Lehfeldt, Albert Ellis, Henry Guze, Robert Sherwin, Hugo Beigel, and Harry Benjamin. The supportive individuals grew to a list of Charter Members numbering 47.
The initial organizers developed a constitution stating that the Society's purpose was to (a) Unite in common organization those professionally engaged in various disciplines...who are similarly engaged in the conducting of sexual research or whose profession involves issues relating to sex; (b) To hold periodic scientific meetings for the presentation of research and to organize symposia, seminars, workshops, and conferences to consider all aspects of sexuality; (c) To publish a scientific journal...and a newsletter... and other separate publications; and d) To create a central source for those seeking research information in the field of sex science.
Statements
The mission statement for the organization is as follows:
The ethics statement is the following:
The organization has published a statement on justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.
SSSS has also published a statement of support for transgender, gender non-conforming, and gender expansive youth, and defending their access to gender-affirming care.
Membership and growth
The membership of SSSS has grown over the decades from a core of members who met in the New York City area, to a current membership of hundreds drawn from 22 countries around the world.
Organizational activities
Conference
SSSS hosts an annual research conference devoted to disseminating the most recent advances in sexual science. As a continuing education provider/sponsor, SSSS also offers continuing education credit hours for psychologists, social workers, and health education specialists. SSSS is particularly committed to supporting future generations of sex researchers. As such, it offers reduced membership and conference fees to students, and also provides mentorship and award/grant opportunities for students and early career professionals.
Awards
SSSS issues a number of awards annually to recognize and promote outstanding sexual scholarship and advocacy, including a Distinguished Scientific Achievement Award (prior winners include William and Virginia Masters and Harry Harlow), a Social Justice / Public Policy Award (prior winners include Betty Dodson, M. Joycelyn Elders, and David Satcher), and awards to recognize outstanding books and outstanding theoretical papers in the field of sexuality.