Measuring cognitive, affective, and behavioral components of homophobic reaction

Comprehensive, reliable, and valid measurement of prejudicial attitudes and behaviors toward lesbians and gay males has been identified as a priority. A sample of undergraduate (N = 97) and high school students (N = 40) completed three reliable measures of cognitive (Modified Attitudes Toward Homosexuality Scale), affective (Affective Reactions to Homosexuality Scale), and behavioral (Homophobic Behavior of Students Scale) reactions to homosexuals. Undergraduate students' responses confirmed the three-factor structure (homophobic guilt, homophobic anger, delight) of affects in this domain, and supported the concurrent validity of the behavioral measure. Predictive validity of the behavioral scale was demonstrated by findings of the high school study which showed that students subsequently acted in accordance with their responses to this paper-and-pencil test. LISREL confirmatory factor analysis of the overarching model indicated that a tripartite (cognition-affect-behavior) measurement strategy was appropriate. This strategy may be used in future research to provide comprehensive indication of which educational interventions make a difference in improving understanding and acceptance of homosexuality.