Abstract
Experiences of heterosexism are rampant online, where bias and harassment against LGBTQ+ individuals spread conveniently and widely. Yet, research has been limited in understanding the exposure to online heterosexism among LGBTQ+ individuals partly due to the lack of a quantitative measure to advance this research. Thus, the current study developed and examined the psychometric properties of the Perceived Online Heterosexism Scale (POHS). Items were developed via a literature review, a survey of social media platforms, and an expert review. Exploratory (N = 288) and confirmatory (N = 653) factor analyses yielded a 4-factor structure and produced a 20-item scale with the following subscales: (1) Heterosexist Cyberaggression (4 items), (2) Online Heterosexist Stereotyping (4 items), (3) Online Exposure to Systemic Heterosexism (8 items), and (4) Heterosexist Online Media (four items). Internal consistency estimates ranged from .91 to .96, and the POHS accounted for 65.9% of the variance. Examination of a second-order model suggested that a total scale score can also be used. Initial construct validity was evidenced as POHS scores were associated with an existing heterosexism measure, anxiety and depressive symptoms, internalized heterosexism, and LGBTQ+ community connectedness in line with theory and empirical evidence. Implications for research practice are discussed.
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Notes
Both LGBTQ+ and LGBQ+ are used throughout this article. If a referenced study did not mention transgender or nonbinary people, LGBQ+ was used. Further, when referencing only sexual orientation, not gender identity, LGBQ+ was used. Additional explanations of the use of these two acronyms are included in different sections of this article.
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Keum, B.T., Maurin-Waters, E. & Chong, E.S.K. The Mental Health Costs of Online Heterosexism Among LGBTQ+ Individuals: Development and Initial Validation of the Perceived Online Heterosexism Scale. Arch Sex Behav 53, 525–541 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-023-02733-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-023-02733-0