Initial Development and Validation of the LGBTQ+ Microaggressions in Counseling Scale

Objective The purpose of this study was to develop and validate the LGBTQ+ Microaggressions in Counseling Scale (LMCS), which measures sexual orientation and gender identity-related microaggressions in counseling.Method Participants were adult U.S. citizens who identified as LGBTQ+ and had received counseling in the last five years. In Study 1 (n = 170), we adapted the Sexual Orientation Microaggressions in Psychotherapy Scale and added new items. We conducted face validity, content validity, and an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). In Study 2 (n = 170), we examined the factor structure through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). In Study 3 (n = 60), we evaluated the construct validity of the LMCS.Results We found that a 9-item scale was adequate. The LMCS was significantly associated with working alliance and cultural humility of counselors, supporting the construct validity of the LMCS.Conclusions The LMCS contributes to improving the counseling environment for LGBTQ+ clients.