Developing and Validating Thai Sexual Orientation Microaggression and Microaffirmation Scales

ABSTRACT

Mental health disparities exist for sexual minority populations globally. Microaggressions and microaffirmations related to sexual orientation may negatively or positively impact well-being. Culturally validated tools are needed to assess these constructs among LGBQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer/questioning) individuals in Thailand’s high-context culture. This study aimed to develop and validate the Thai Sexual Orientation Microaggressions Scale (T-SOMG) and the Thai Sexual Orientation Microaffirmations Scale (T-SOMF) to quantify experiences among LGBQ+ Thais. A mixed-methods approach was utilized. Initial scale items were derived from a literature review, expert consultation, and interviews with LGBQ+ Thais. Exploratory factor analysis (n = 164) refined the item pools. Confirmatory factor analysis (n = 200) confirmed the factor structures. Reliability and validity were examined. The final 18-item T-SOMG contained two subscales—Interpersonal and Environmental Microaggressions. The 13-item T-SOMF contained Interpersonal and Environmental Microaffirmations subscales. All scales demonstrated good model fit, reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity. The T-SOMG and T-SOMF are culturally valid tools for assessing microaggressions and microaffirmations among LGBQ+ Thais. These localized scales can enable research on factors impacting LGBQ+ well-being. Further validation in diverse samples is warranted.

KEYWORDS:

• Microaggression
• microaffirmation
• sexual minority
• measurement
• validity
• scale development

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Ethical considerations

The present study received approval from the Institutional Review Board at Chulalongkorn University prior to participant recruitment and data collection. All procedures performed involving human participants complied with ethical standards outlined in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent was obtained from all participants after the study’s purpose, risks, and benefits were explained. Participants could withdraw at any time without penalty. Identifying information was removed and data anonymized to protect participant privacy. Researchers stored data securely per IRB confidentiality protocols. Study procedures and analysis plans were preregistered at No. 028.1/64 before data collection commenced. Analyses adhered to the preregistered protocol, with any deviations identified in the results.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by “the 100th Anniversary Chulalongkorn University Fund for Doctoral Scholarship” and by the Research Fund from “the Faculty of Psychology at Chulalongkorn University.”