Abstract: Development and Testing of the Trans Microaggressions on Campus Scale (Society for Social Work and Research 22nd Annual Conference - Achieving Equal Opportunity, Equity, and Justice)

Schedule:

Friday, January 12, 2018: 2:07 PM

Liberty BR Salon J (ML 4) (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)

* noted as presenting author

Michael R. Woodford, PhD, Associate Professor, Wilfrid Laurier University, Kitchener, ON, Canada

Jill Chonody, PhD, Associate Professor, Boise State University, Boise, ID

Erich Pitcher, PhD, Associate Director of Research & Communication, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR

Z Nicolazzo, PhD, Assistant Professor, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL

T.J. Jourian, PhD, Assistant Professor, Oakland University, Rochester, MI

Alex Kulick, BA, Doctoral Student, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA

Kristen Renn, PhD, Professor, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

Background: Transphobic microaggressions, which involve subtle, often unintentional comments or actions that convey negative messages to trans individuals, occur on college campuses. They are expressed interpersonally and environmentally, and include microinvalidations, microinsults, and microassaults. Although well-intentioned individuals may perpetuate them, trans microaggressions oppress their targets (Nadal, 2013; Sue, 2010).

Minority stress theory (Meyer, 2003) suggests that microaggressions increase trans students’ risk for negative outcomes; however, little research has been conducted in this substantive area. Understanding trans microaggressions and their impact is critical to fostering students’ inclusion and wellbeing. An important first step is investigating the prevalence of trans microaggressions on campuses, but measurement tools are lacking. We report on the development and psychometric testing of the trans microaggressions on campus scale.

Methods: After reviewing literature, 72 possible items addressing interpersonal and environmental microinvalidations, microinsults, and microassaults targeting LGBTQ students were created. Following two focus groups with LGBTQ students (n=14), 62 trans specific microaggression items were written. Based on feedback from LGBTQ students (n=4), some items were revised. To minimize respondent burden, the researchers reduced the pool to 46 items. Items were rated by the frequency of occurrence during the past 12 months (0=never, 5=very frequently). The scale was administered to two convenience samples of trans students (n=272).

Results: Item analyses identified two highly skewed items and two items that were highly correlated. After removal of three items, 7 environmental and 36 interpersonal items remained.

The factor structure was examined through a focus-group-type process with trans scholars. An EFA of all 43 items using principle components analysis (PCA; Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin=.953, Bartlett’s=6667.71, df=903, p<.001) was conducted. Given conceptual differences between environmental and interpersonal microaggressions, we repeated the PCA on each subscale. A one-factor model (47.71% explained variance, loadings range .62-.73) emerged for the environmental subscale.

For the multidimensional interpersonal microaggressions scale, the factors share a conceptual overlap for the latent construct; therefore, principal axis factor analysis with an oblique rotation (direct oblimin) was used. Items were removed due to double or weak (<.30) loadings. An 18-item three-factor model emerged representing microinvalidations, microinsults, and microassaults (loadings range .41-.94). Correlations amongst the subscales did not suggest conceptual redundancy. Internal consistency was good (environmental α=.82, interpersonal α=.95).

Evidence for discriminant and convergent validity was found by examining the correlation between each subscale and verbal assault (environmental r=.46, interpersonal r=.60) and physical assault (environmental r=.23, interpersonal r=.35) subscale scores; the stronger correlations with verbal assault compared to physical assault supported convergent validity. Predictive validity was supported by correlations with depression (PHQ-9; environmental r=.22, interpersonal r=.33) and social acceptance (environmental r=-.18, interpersonal r=-.25).

Implications: Results suggested the trans microaggressions scale consists of the environmental and interpersonal subscales, each demonstrating good internal reliability and discriminant, convergent, and predictive validity. Though additional testing is recommended, including CFA, the scale provides researchers, policymakers, and practitioners with a parsimonious tool to assess the prevalence of everyday discrimination targeting trans collegians, thus providing vital information to promote equity, inclusion, and wellbeing among trans students.