Turkish Adaptation of the LGBTQIA+ Minority Stress Scale and Evaluation of Its Psychometric Properties

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to adapt the LGBTQIA+ Minority Stress Scale into Turkish and evaluate its psychometric properties.Method: A total of 660 LGBTQIA+ people living in Türkiye participated in the study. To examine the scale's 25-item structure, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted using data from 340 participants, followed by Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) using data from 320 participants. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega coefficients. Temporal stability was evaluated using the Pearson correlation coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), based on test–retest data from 144 participants who were reached again 21 days after the initial administration. Convergent, discriminant, and criterion-related validity were examined. The Perceived Victimization Scale and the General Belongingness Scale were used to assess criterion-related validity.Results: EFA yielded a seven-factor structure consistent with the original scale, which was subsequently confirmed through CFA. The structure explained 56.60% of the total variance. The overall Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega coefficients were 0.922 and 0.932, respectively, while Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the subscales ranged from 0.701 to 0.901. CFA indicated an acceptable model fit (RMSEA = 0.038, CFI = 0.94, TLI = 0.93, SRMR = 0.037). Test–retest analyses indicated high temporal stability (ICC = 0.91, r = 0.84). The validity findings supported the scale's underlying theoretical structure.Conclusion: The Turkish version of the LGBTQIA+ Minority Stress Scale was found to be a valid and reliable instrument for assessing minority stress experiences among LGBTQIA+ people living in Türkiye.