Development of the Japanese version of the Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identity Scale (LGBIS)

Abstract

This study aimed to develop the Japanese version of the Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identity Scale (LGBIS). The original scale was designed to assess the acceptance of one’s identity as an LGB person. We examined the reliability and validity of the translated Japanese version using data from 703 Japanese LGB people. The results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses showed that the Japanese version of the LGBIS has a four-factor structure, in contrast to the eight-factor structure of the original version: negative image and affect toward LGB identity, identity centrality, identity affirmation, and identity uncertainty. Furthermore, internal consistency and test-retest correlations indicated that the scale has good reliability. The four subscales correlated with various identity-related measures. The correlations between indicators of mental health and both negative affect and affirmation about LGB identity were mostly consistent with the current theory of minority stress, which provide evidence of good validity for the Japanese version of the LGBIS. Thus, the Japanese version of the LGBIS is suitable for the assessment of identity acceptance among the Japanese LGB population.