The Gender-Specific Binegativity Scale: Validation in a Spanish Sample of University Students and Proposal of a Brief Version

Abstract

Introduction Bisexuality is a more frequent and vulnerable sexual orientation than homosexuality. Yet it has received considerably less attention, resulting in the limited availability of valid measures to detect negative attitudes toward bisexual individuals, even in countries where social rights are notably promoted. This study aims to provide validation of a Spanish version of the Gender-Specific Binegativity Scale and propose a brief version to assess binegativity toward bisexual women and men separately. Methods In 2019, 495 university students completed the women’s and men’s subscales for the Gender-Specific Binegativity Scale and other measures (social dominance orientation, homonegativity, ambivalent sexism, social desirability) for external validity. Results Exploratory factor analysis supported the one-factor solution of the original 30-item measure. However, confirmatory factor analysis indicated a poor model fit for this version but a satisfactory fit for an 8-item version with parallel items for both subscales. Reliability and external validity were confirmed for both subscales in both versions. Bisexual men were rated more negatively than bisexual women, and men rated bisexual women and men more negatively than women. Conclusions The results support a validation of the Gender-Specific Binegativity Scale in Spanish. Moreover, the proposed brief version appears more psychometrically sound and efficient, facilitating its use in research and applied contexts. Policy Implications Only valid and efficient tools allow for a confident assessment of current attitudes toward minorities. This is the first step to understanding attitudes particular societies might hold, which is essential for the development of coherent policies and competent assessment of social interventions.