Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Transgender Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs (T-KAB) Scale

Abstract

There remains a limited understanding of current levels of transgender-related knowledge and acceptance among members of the general public. This study sought to develop and psychometrically evaluate a transgender knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs (T-KAB) scale in the general US population. We developed and evaluated the reliability and validity of the T-KAB scale in two phases. In phase one, we developed the T-KAB scale through a robust, iterative process that included a literature review; expert feedback from cisgender and transgender professionals engaged in psychometrics and transgender health; review of prior qualitative interviews with transgender individuals, healthcare providers with a range of experience caring for transgender patients, and members of the general population; and pilot testing. In phase two, a geographically diverse convenience sample of 195 adults recruited online from the US general population completed the T-KAB scale and measures to assess scale validity. Factor analyses revealed a 22-item, 3-factor measure representing: acceptance of the gender spectrum, social tolerance, and comfort and contact related to transgender people. The scale demonstrated strong internal consistency (α = .97) and evidence of convergent and discriminant validity. Additionally, members of the general population were found to have moderate levels of transgender acceptance overall and across the three subscales. The T-KAB scale is a valid and reliable psychometric tool. Future application of the scale should seek to identify socio-demographic, cultural, and geographic factors driving lower T-KAB scores in order to identify subpopulations that would benefit from interventions to improve transgender-related knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs in the general population.