The Perceived Handism Discrimination Scale (PHDS): Development and factor analysis

Abstract

While discrimination based on race, gender, and other factors is well-documented, the discrimination faced by left-handed individuals is often overlooked. To address this gap, a study developed the Perceived Handism Discrimination Scale (PHDS) to assess how left-handed people perceive discrimination related to their hand preference. The original questionnaire consisted of 20 items using a 7-point Likert scale and was evaluated by experts using Lawshe’s methodology. After refinement, the scale was reduced to 12 items, and further analysis through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) with two separate samples (n=200 each) led to a final scale of 10 items clustered around two significant factors: cultural and individual dimensions of perceived handism discrimination. The PHDS demonstrated good psychometric properties, including reliability and statistical significance in factor analyses. However, the fit of the assumptions underlying EFA and CFA was not ideal, suggesting that further refinement is needed. Despite this, the PHDS represents a valuable tool for identifying perceived handism discrimination, ultimately aiming to inform policies that mitigate its effects in society.