Spanish Adaptation of a Measure of Internalized Transphobia: Validation of the Transgender Identity Survey

Internalized transphobia (IT) is the rejection that gender non-conforming people (TGNC) feel towards themselves because of the internalization of negative values, prejudices, and/or stereotypes that prevail in society. This study aimed to adapt and validate a Spanish version of the Transgender Identity Survey (TIS) to assess internalized transphobia in Spanish-speaking transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) individuals. The sample consisted of 207 TGNC Spanish-speaking adults who completed the TIS, along with measures of self-esteem and body image. Translation, adaptation, and validation analyses of the TIS were carried out. A reduced version of the original scale composed of 15 items in a one-dimension to assess internalized transphobia was obtained through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). Validity evidence based on the internal structure was tested through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The scale showed adequate reliability values (α = .890; Ω = .892). Correlations between TIS, self-esteem and body image reported convergent validity evidence. The Spanish version of the TIS provides a useful, reliable, and valid instrument for both research and clinical areas, supporting interventions aimed at reducing internalized stigma and promoting well-being and self-acceptance in the gender-diverse community.