Psychometric Properties of the Heteronormative Attitudes and Beliefs Scale: A Multigroup Analysis in a Greek Sample

Heteronormativity refers to a hierarchical system of beliefs, attitudes, and social practices grounded on the assumption that there are only two distinct genders, and that heterosexuality represents the only "normal," desirable, and acceptable form of sexual behavior. Given the absence of a validated measure assessing heteronormativity in Greece, this study examined the reliability and validity of the Heteronormative Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (HABS; Habarth, 2015) in a Greek sample of 973 straight and not exclusively heterosexuals (Sample 1 [non-mental health professionals]: n = 605, Sample 2 [mental health professionals]: n = 368). Multigroup analyses indicated that, while the basic factorial structure of the scale was supported, full measurement invariance was not achieved: differences in factor loadings, intercepts, and residuals suggest that the HABS may not assess heteronormativity equivalently across groups. Positive correlations between heteronormativity, homonegativity, and negative attitudes towards lesbians and gay men, as well as negative correlation between heteronormativity and openness to experience supported the convergent and discriminant validity of the HABS. Contrary to expectations, only the Essential sex and Gender beliefs factor was positively associated with social desirability in Sample 1. Overall, the HABS appears to be a reliable and valid instrument for assessing heteronormativity and can be confidently employed in future psychological research in the Greek context.