Theses Doctoral

The Development of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Affiliate Stigma Measure

Robinson, Matthew

The present study describes the development and psychometric evaluation of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Affiliate Stigma Measure (LGB-ASM). Existing qualitative research and feedback from experts in stigma research, contributed to the development of 48 items that were subjected psychometric evaluation resulting in the final 17-item measure. Exploratory factor analysis of data from 471 LGB affiliates (family members and close friends of LGB individuals) resulted in 3 factors reflecting experiences of LGB affiliate stigma including (a) Public Discrimination/Rejection affiliate stigma, (b) Vicarious affiliate stigma, and (c) Public Shame affiliate stigma. Confirmatory factor analysis of data from a separate 101 participants supported the stability of the 3-factor model. Further psychometric evaluation of the measure resulted in evidence supporting the reliability (i.e., Cronbach's alphas of .71 to .93), convergent validity (i.e., with stigma consciousness, r = .17 to .45; with awareness of public devaluation, r = .18 to .28), and discriminant validity (i.e., with socially desirable responding, r = -.16 to .05). The final 17-item LGB-ASM yielded 2-to 3-week test-retest reliability coefficients of .74 to .76 with a sample of 61 participants. Links between the LGB-ASM and psychological distress (using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist - 21) were evaluated and unsupported.

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More About This Work

Academic Units
Counseling Psychology
Thesis Advisors
Brewster, Melanie E.
Degree
Ph.D., Columbia University
Published Here
July 7, 2014