Work

Validation of the sexual prejudice in sport scale in Brazil and Portugal

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study examines sexual prejudice in sport within Brazilian and Portuguese contexts, cross-culturally validating the Scale of Sexual Prejudice in Sport (SPSS). The study included 618 university student-athletes (348 Brazilian; 270 Portuguese). Confirmatory factor analysis corroborated the three-factor structure of the instrument in both countries, with adequate fit indices. Male athletes demonstrated greater sexual prejudice in both countries (p < .05), reinforcing the heteronormative nature of the sporting environment. Right-wing political orientation emerged as a significant predictor of negative attitudes in both samples, while religiosity proved significant only in Portugal (β = .185, p < .01). Important differences were observed regarding political interest: in Brazil, greater interest was associated with elevated levels of prejudice (ε² = .033, p < .01), contrasting with Portugal. Hierarchical regressions revealed that attitudes toward lesbians and gays constituted the strongest predictor of sexual prejudice in both Brazil (β = -.475, p < .001) and Portugal (β = -.256, p < .001). The results contribute to the understanding of sexual prejudice in sport in Portuguese-speaking countries and suggest the need for specific interventions considering the sociocultural particularities of each context.

Source: Journal of Human Sport and Exercise

DOI: 10.55860/ngyh4d28

Authors: Vivianne Oliveira Gomes, Henrique Pereira

Institutions: Universidade Federal de Jataí, University of Beira Interior

Language: English

Topic: Sports, Gender, and Society

Subfield: Gender Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $215