Adaptation and Validation of the LGBTQIA+ Minority Stress Measure in Spanish Adults.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual, and other sexual and gender minorities (LGBTQIA+) face daily stress related to stigma, prejudice, and discrimination, which can negatively impact their mental health. Consequently, having a valid and reliable instrument to assess this experience is essential. This study aimed to adapt and validate the Spanish version of the LGBTQIA+ Minority Stress Measure, originally developed in English for individuals of any sexual orientation and gender identity. A total of 3,254 participants from Spain with an average age of 31.83 years completed the questionnaire. Most participants identified as cisgender (92.4%) and either bisexual (42.7%) or gay men/lesbian (42.2%). Exploratory factor analysis suggested a five-factor structure (identity concealment, rejection anticipation, discrimination events, internalized stigma, and victimization events) with four items per factor and a second-order general factor (LGBTQIA+ Minority Stress). This model was supported by confirmatory factor analysis. The scale showed good internal consistency, adequate convergent validity with anxiety and depression symptoms, and measurement invariance across gender (men, women, nonbinary) and partial invariance across LGBTQIA+ identities (sexual orientation vs. gender identity minorities). These findings support the reliability and validity of the Spanish version of the LGBTQIA+ Minority Stress Measure for assessing minority stress in LGBTQIA+ individuals in Spain. Given the established relationship between minority stress and mental health, this questionnaire may help identify the most affected dimensions and groups, thereby guiding intervention and prevention programs and ultimately contributing to the improvement of LGBTQIA+ individuals' quality of life.