Developing a Scale for Internalized Homophobia
Description/Abstract/Artist Statement
Current research indicates that internalized homophobia is detrimental in sexual minorities (i.e., homo- and bisexuals). This phenomenon occurs when a sexual minority is uncomfortable with their sexual orientation. This discomfort has an impact on physical and mental health. Unfortunately, research has been hindered because of the use of inadequately validated measures of internalized homophobia. The purpose of this research is to develop a measure of internalized homophobia for sexual minorities. A content analysis of the literature and focus groups revealed themes pointing to the development of new items for measuring internalized homophobia. In particular, items needed to adhere more to sexual minority experiences, behaviors, and attitudes. Based on this information, a measure of internalize homophobia was developed with the new items. The measure was pilot tested and content validity was established.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Miguel Padilla
Presentation Type
Poster
Disciplines
Other Psychology | Quantitative Psychology
Session Title
Poster Session
Location
Learning Commons @ Perry Library, Northwest Atrium
Start Date
2-3-2018 8:00 AM
End Date
2-3-2018 12:30 PM
Developing a Scale for Internalized Homophobia
Learning Commons @ Perry Library, Northwest Atrium
Current research indicates that internalized homophobia is detrimental in sexual minorities (i.e., homo- and bisexuals). This phenomenon occurs when a sexual minority is uncomfortable with their sexual orientation. This discomfort has an impact on physical and mental health. Unfortunately, research has been hindered because of the use of inadequately validated measures of internalized homophobia. The purpose of this research is to develop a measure of internalized homophobia for sexual minorities. A content analysis of the literature and focus groups revealed themes pointing to the development of new items for measuring internalized homophobia. In particular, items needed to adhere more to sexual minority experiences, behaviors, and attitudes. Based on this information, a measure of internalize homophobia was developed with the new items. The measure was pilot tested and content validity was established.