Homophobic Content Agent Target Scale – HCAT
Measures the frequency of using homophobic epithets toward others (Agent) and being the target of such epithets (Target) during the previous week.
Scale Development & Technical Details
Scale Overview
The Homophobic Content Agent Target Scale – HCAT was developed by V. Paul Poteat & Dorothy L. Espelage (2005). It is designed to measure Homophobic verbal bullying perpetration and victimization. The scale is intended for use with Adolescents and school-aged youth.
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 10 items organized into 2 factors/subscales: Agent Subscale, Target Subscale.
| Factor / Subscale | Items | N |
|---|---|---|
| Agent Subscale | 1,2,3,4,5 | 5 |
| Target Subscale | 6,7,8,9,10 | 5 |
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a custom response format.
Response anchors: 1 = Never, 2 = 1 or 2 Times, 3 = 3 or 4 Times, 4 = 5 or 6 Times, 5 = 7 or more Times.
Scoring
Items are scored by subscale, with each subscale sum representing a distinct dimension.
Total scores range from 5 to 25. Interpretation guidelines:
- No involvement: 5 – 5
- Low frequency: 6 – 10
- Moderate frequency: 11 – 17
- High frequency: 18 – 25
Psychometric Properties
Internal Consistency: The scale has demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency with reported Cronbach’s alpha values of Agent subscale: 0.77–0.85; Target subscale: 0.81–0.85.
Administration
The scale is self-administered and typically takes approximately 5 minutes to complete. It can be administered individually or in group settings. No special training is required for administration.