Mapping Minority Experiences: SGM Psychology and Psychometric Validation of SGM Measures

This project examines sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) and aims to provide psychometric and cultural validation of two key psychological scales used in SGM research to measure (i) transdiagnostic risk factors and (ii) majority-minority group processes. Given that many existing instruments were developed within W.E.I.R.D. (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic) and cisheteropatriarchal frameworks, this research seeks to critically assess the applicability of two widely used instruments across diverse cultural and gendered contexts. Through a literature review, students will explore the central theoretical concepts and analyze the psychological scales used to assess minority stress, identity-based disparities, and cultural variations in mental health, identifying limitations and biases in current methodologies. Key themes include minority stress, transdiagnostic risk factors, cultural adaptation, and majority-minority group processes, all examined through a transdisciplinary lens that integrates psychology, gender studies, and cultural studies. This project is in its early stages and invites students from psychology, gender studies, cultural studies, and related fields who are interested in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies to contribute to rethinking and improving measurement strategies for diverse populations—particularly within the growing field of feminist queer psychology in Turkey.