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.

Presenting Author Name/s

Stacey Thompson and Arushi Deshpande

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

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Feb 3rd, 8:00 AM Feb 3rd, 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.