Homosexuality Attitude Scale (HAS): Psychometric properties of the Romanian version

Abstract

The present study aimed to test the factorial structure, construct validity, and reliability of the Romanian version of the Homosexuality Attitude Scale (HAS; Kite, 1991; Kite & Deaux, 1986). Participants were 535 Romanian undergraduate and master’s students who were recruited from five universities. The sample included 432 women and 103 men, aged 18 to 52 years. Participants completed a demographic form and Romanian versions of the HAS, the Revised Attitudes toward Lesbians and Gay Men Scale-Short Version-10 (ATLG-R-S-10; Herek, 1984; Bulboacă & Robu, 2021), the Attitudes Toward Sexuality Scale (ATSS; Fisher & Hall, 1988; Robu & Bulboacă, 2019), the Centrality of Religiosity Scale-5 (CRS-5; Huber & Huber, 2012), the Big Five Inventory-Openness (BFI-O; John, Donahue & Kentle, 1991), and the Paulhus Deception Scale-Impression Management (PDS-IM; Paulhus, 1998). A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to test the internal validity of the HAS. The hypothetical measurement model with a single latent factor and four intercorrelated pairs of residuals showed satisfactory statistical fit (χ2/df = 3.71; SRMR = 0.048; NFI =0.876; CFI = 0.906; RMSEA = 0.071; CI90 % RMSEA = 0.066 – 0.077). The internal consistency of the 21-item version of the HAS was excellent (α = 0.937). Correlation analysis revealed a negative and strong association (r = - 0.80; p < 0.001) between the HAS total score and the ATLG-R-S-9. Correlations with the ATSS-10 score for liberal (r = 0.62; p < 0.001) and conservative attitudes toward sexuality (r = - 0.58; p < 0.001) were moderate and statistically significant. The correlation with religiosity (CRS-5 score) was negative, but lower (r = - 0.28; p < 0.001). The correlation with openness was positive, but modest (r = 0.18; p < 0.001). The correlation with the PDS-IM score was negligible (r = - 0.02; p = 0.624). Thus, the HAS score is free from the risk of socially desirable responses. Comparative data are also summarized. The evidence presented suggests that the HAS is a psychometrically reliable and valid instrument. It can be used to assess general attitudes toward homosexuality.