Nonheterosexist Organizational Climate and Affirmative Counselor Behaviors: Validation of Instruments

Abstract

The research literature suggests that the mental health professionals serving lesbians, gay men, and bisexual people may not be prepared to adequately address the unique needs of the population. There is a need to study the factors that influence the degree to which therapists' attitudes and behaviors are affirmative toward their gay, lesbian, and bisexual clients. One obstacle to pursuing this research agenda is the lack of valid and reliable instruments available for research with this population. The purpose of this study is to address the concerns in the literature regarding the lack of reliable instruments by establishing adequate psychometric properties for three scales: the Non-heterosexist Mental Health Organizations Scale, the Affirmative Behaviors with GLB Clients Scale, and the Affirmative Behaviors with All Clients Scale. Preliminary information about the instrument development process, factor structure, and the reliability and validity of these scales is presented. (Contains 23 references.) (GCP) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document.