LGBTQ Microaggressions and Microaffirmations in Families: Scale Development and Validation Study

Subtle experiences of both invalidation and support are common for LGBTQ adolescents within their family systems. LGBTQ microaggressions increase the risk for negative health outcomes, while small acts of support and affirmation can bolster adolescent wellbeing. Research on family-level microaggressions and microaffirmations is limited, due to the absence of a theoretically informed and psychometrically tested measure of these constructs. To address this gap, we designed the LGBTQ Microaggressions and Microaffirmations in Families Scale. Using a large national sample of LGBTQ adolescents (N = 952, 14-19 years old), the current article presents the (1) process of item generation, (2) descriptives of scale items, (3) scale's confirmatory factor structure, and (4) indicators of scale reliability and validity. The scale's four-factor structure was confirmed, while demonstrating good reliability and predictive validity. The scale provides researchers with a psychometrically valid measure to assess the lifetime frequency and correlates of LGBTQ microaggressions and microaffirmations.