Journal Article

Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identity Scale (LGBIS): Construct Validation, Sensitivity Analyses and other Psychometric Properties

Lopes, Diniz, Costa, Carlos Gonçalves, de Oliveira, João Manuel, Nogueira, Conceição

2012

Overview

According to Mohr and Fassinger (2006), identity is seen as both self-identification and collective identification with values, beliefs, traits or behaviours and attachments. Their Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual (LGB) multidimensional identity model accounts for important variables regarding the constitution of identities. This model not only accesses numerous dimensions of the lives of LGB individuals, but is also based on a body of research that recognizes how LGB difficulties are caused by societal intolerance and marginalization (Mohr & Fassinger, 2000). The Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identity Scale (LGBIS; Kendra & Mohr, 2008) constitutes an operationalization of this multidimensional model, and the aim of this article is to present its construct validity by analysing its factor structure using a sample of Portuguese lesbian, gay and bisexual participants. Results from exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, as well as from factor invariance analysis across sub-samples are presented. In a general way, the factor structure obtained in this study follows the original proposal of Kendra and Mohr's (2008) LGBIS. Moreover, scale sensitivity analyses are presented in order to check for eventual differences in the factor structure and/or factor intercorrelations regarding participant gender and sexual orientation. These results are then discussed in the light of LGB identity models. Según Mohr y Fassinger (2006), la identidad es vista como la auto-identificación y la identificación colectiva con valores, creencias, rasgos o comportamientos y apegos. Su modelo multidimensional de identidad de Lesbianas, Gays y Bisexuales (LGB) explica variables importantes con respecto a la constitución de identidades. Este modelo no sólo accede a múltiples dimensiones de la vida de las personas LGB, pero también se basa en un cuerpo de investigación que reconoce que las dificultades de LGB son causadas por la intolerancia social y la marginación (Mohr y Fassinger, 2000). La escala de Identidad de Lesbianas, Gays y Bisexuales (LGBIS; Kendra, y Mohr, 2008) constituye una puesta en marcha de este modelo multidimensional y el objetivo de este artículo es presentar su validez de constructo mediante el análisis de su estructura factorial utilizando una muestra de participantes lesbianas, gays y bisexuales portugueses. Se presentan los resultados de los análisis factoriales exploratorios y confirmatorios, así como los del análisis factorial invariante a través de sub-muestras. De manera general, la estructura factorial obtenida en este estudio sigue la propuesta original del LGBIS de Kendra y Mohr (2008). Además, se presentan los análisis de sensibilidad de la escala con el fin de comprobar posibles diferencias en la estructura de factores y / o en intercorrelaciones en relación con el género y la orientación sexual de los participantes. Estos resultados son discutidos con respecto a los modelos de identidad LGB.

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press,Complutense University of Madrid, Faculty of Psychology
• Subject: Adult / Biological and medical sciences / Bisexuality / Bisexuality - psychology / Confirmatory factor analysis / Factor analysis / Female / Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology / Gender / Gender Identity / Homosexuality / Homosexuality, Female - psychology / Homosexuality, Male - psychology / Humans / Identification / Identity / Lesbianism / Male / Marginality / Middle Aged / Models, Psychological / Multidimensional identity models / Operational definitions / Personality Inventory - statistics & numerical data / Personality. Affectivity / Property / Psychology / Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry / Psychology. Psychophysiology / Psychometrics - statistics & numerical data / Quantitative psychology / Reproducibility of Results / Self concept / Sexual orientation / Sexual taboo / Sexuality / Sexuality. Sexual behavior / Validity / Young Adult