Development of a Measure of Homosexual Stress: A Factor-Analytic Approach

Although homosexual stress has been studied in the past, an examination of the literature indicated a need for a reliable and valid measure of this construct. The current study describes the creation and validation of the Homosexual Stress Inventory (HSI), a new measure for I} stressors specific to homosexual men and women. A 70-item measure was created and factor analyzed. For the female subjects, 50 of the original items were retained and four factors emerged, which were labeled Visibility, Family, Work Discrimination, and Violence and Harassment. Among lesbians, homosexual stress seems to be related to more depression, to less social involvement with other homosexual individuals, and current non-membership in lesbian and/or gay social groups. For the male subjects, 62 of the original items were retained and seven factors emerged, which included the four that emerged for females as well as three additional factors that were labeled HIV/AIDS, Stigmatization, and Exclusion. Among gay men, homosexual stress seems to be related to more depression, to lesser degrees of social interaction with other homosexual individuals, to less openness about one's sexual orientation, and to the individual's religious affiliation. Implications of the results and directions for future research are discussed.