Development and validation of the Transgender Violence and Discrimination Scale (TVDS)

Abstract

Violence and discrimination against transgender individuals are significant global health and human rights concerns, yet reliable and valid instruments to measure these experiences are lacking, particularly in the Iranian context. The present study aimed to develop and validate a questionnaire to measure violence and discrimination experienced by transgender individuals in Iran. This methodological study was conducted in 2024 to develop and psychometrically evaluate a questionnaire assessing violence and discrimination against transgender individuals in Iran. Item generation was based on a literature review, semi-structured interviews with 15 transgender individuals and 10 experts, and qualitative content analysis. Face validity was assessed through cognitive interviews with transgender participants and expert review. Content validity was evaluated using the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and Content Validity Index (CVI). Construct validity was examined using exploratory factor analysis (Principal Axis Factoring with Promax rotation) in a sample of 104 transgender individuals. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, and test–retest reliability was evaluated over a two-week interval using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Qualitative interviews and literature review generated an initial pool of 45 items. Following face and content validity assessment, four items were removed. Exploratory factor analysis provided preliminary evidence for a four-factor structure comprising verbal–psychological violence, physical violence, sexual violence, and discrimination. The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin measure was 0.866, and Bartlett’s test of sphericity was significant (χ² = 3226.07, p < 0.001). Two additional items were excluded during construct validation, resulting in a final 32-item instrument. The questionnaire demonstrated acceptable to excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.70–0.92) and satisfactory test–retest reliability. The present study provides a culturally relevant Persian-language questionnaire for assessing violence and discrimination among transgender individuals. The instrument demonstrated satisfactory content validity, preliminary construct validity, and satisfactory reliability. Further validation, particularly CFA in a larger independent sample, is warranted.