Stigma Consciousness Questionnaire (SCQ-PT): Validation in a Portuguese Sample of Sexual Minorities

Abstract

Introduction Stigma assessment is particularly important due to the strong relationship between stigma and mental health, including sexual minorities. There is no measure of stigma consciousness for the Portuguese sexual minority population. Methods The present study aimed to explore the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Stigma Consciousness Questionnaire-European Portuguese version (SCQ-PT) for sexual minorities. A total sample of 514 nonheterosexual individuals, recruited between January and March 2020, are randomly divided for EFAs (n = 257) and CFA, convergent and discriminant validities, and reliability (n = 257). Additionally, multigroup analyses were done. Results A second-order two-factor model (stigma consciousness devised into stigma experiences and stigma beliefs) presented the best adjustment and an acceptable reliability. This model also proved its invariance across gender and sexual orientation. Furthermore, the SCQ-PT revealed small to moderate correlations with other types of stigma, satisfaction with life and mental health indicators, and discriminated levels of depression and anxiety symptoms. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that SCQ-PT is a valid measure that might be useful in research and clinical contexts. Policy ImplicationsThe coverage of SCQ-PT allows its use in several contexts, measuring different aspects of stigma consciousness. Measuring this phenomenon accurately can improve the knowledge of sexual minorities' experiences and contribute to the development of political and clinical tools for relieving the impact of stigma on mental health.