The Gay Community Involvement Index: An Exploratory Factor Analysis and Initial Validation of a New Measure of Gay Community Involvement

Arch Sex Behav. 2020 Jan;49(1):233-247. doi: 10.1007/s10508-018-1271-y. Epub 2018 Nov 2.

Abstract

This article details initial measure development, exploratory factor analysis, and preliminary validation of the Gay Community Involvement Index (GCII) across two studies. Previous research on gay community involvement has relied on measures that do not distinguish between distinct ways in which men may be involved in the gay community (e.g., going to bars and clubs vs. advocating for political issues). The GCII is a new multidimensional measure of the type and intensity of participation in a variety of activities within the gay community. Exploratory factor analysis suggested four subscales: Community Activities, Nightlife, Media, and Political Activism. We report strong evidence for internal consistency within subscale scores, as well as both convergent and discriminant validity for subscale scores. This measure may help those researching gay men's health and well-being better understand the impact of different types of community involvement on health and psychosocial outcomes.

Keywords: Gay community involvement; Gay men; Health and well-being; Sexual orientation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Community Participation / methods*
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical*
  • Homosexuality, Male / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Reproducibility of Results