Measuring Shame Related to Sexual Orientation

Validation of Sexual Minority—External and Internal Shame Scale (SM-Eiss)

Bibliographic Data

ID6451356
AuthorsAndreia A Manão (0000-0001-9376-6336, University of Coimbra, corresponding author), Daniel Seabra (0000-0002-6330-6213, University of Coimbra), Maria Do Céu Salvador (0000-0002-6846-8270, University of Coimbra)
Year2024
Volume22
Issue2
Pages596-606
Publication date2024-05-18
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSexuality Research and Social Policy (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1553-6610 • E-ISSN: 1868-9884
PublisherSpringer Science+Business Media (PUBLISHER • DE)
DOI10.1007/s13178-024-00976-7
OpenAlexW4397043211
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited40

Introduction Shame is a self-conscious emotion involving negative self-evaluations, being a transdiagnostic factor for psychopathology. Due to stigma and discrimination experiences related to having a minority sexual orientation, LGB+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and other minority sexual orientations) people report higher levels of general shame than heterosexual people. To our knowledge, there is no specific measure of shame related to sexual orientation. This study aimed to develop and explore the psychometric properties of the Sexual Minority—External and Internal Shame Scale (SM-EISS) in a sample of Portuguese LGB+ people. Method The sample was recruited online between December 2021 and January 2022 and comprised 200 Portuguese LGB+ people ( M age = 27.8 ± 8.9) who completed measures about shame, proximal minority stressors, and mental health. Results Good psychometric characteristics were found for a second-order two-factor structure (general, external, and internal shame related to sexual orientation), with the SM-EISS demonstrating good reliability and validity values. Conclusion The SM-EISS seems to be a valid and reliable instrument to assess shame related to sexual orientation among LGB+ people and may be beneficial in clinical and research contexts. Policy Implications Measuring shame related to sexual orientation experienced by LGB+ people could enhance the clinical understanding of this population. It can help researchers and clinicians to better understand this emotion and how it affects LGB+ people’s mental health and well-being. The research has important implications for clinical practice, social interventions, and public policies to protect LGB+ people’s rights. This is especially relevant in Portugal, where, despite positive legal developments, LGB+ people continue to experience harmful situations that negatively impact their mental health

Cartography · Geography · Scale (ratio · Sexual minority · Sexual orientation · Shame · Gender Roles and Identity Studies · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Psychology · Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology · Social Psychology

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access