Brazilian Version of the Covid-19 Household Environment Scale: Evidence of Validity in Childless Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Couples

IntroductionThe present study analyzed evidence of validity and internal consistency of the Brazilian version of the COVID-19 Household Environment Scale (CHES). More specifically, we tested validity evidence for: (1) the content of the Brazilian version, which involved two experts experienced in research with LGB couples; (2) exploratory factor analysis and internal consistency through the composite reliability calculation; and (3) external measures through the correlation between the CHES factors (cohesion and conflict) and marital satisfaction.MethodFor the analysis of internal structure, internal consistency and external validity, a sample of 268 childless lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) spouses, who lived with their partners during the Covid-19 pandemic from all around Brazil, were used. Participants answered an online questionnaire posted on social media.ResultsIn the content stage, i-CVI = 1.00 was found for only 27 items, with 3 items excluded for not being suitable for couples without children (i-CVI = 0.0). Exploratory factor analysis pointed to a two-factor solution for CHES (Conflict and Cohesion). Composite reliability was adequate for both factors, so the instrument's correlations with marital satisfaction provided initial evidence of validity and suggested an association between the variables.ConclusionThe findings support the psychometric adequacy of the CHES in line with the original version of the instrument, moreover, evidence is expanded of its validity with LGB spouses without children in the Brazilian context (using 27 items).Policy ImplicationsThe CHES instrument is a useful tool both for marital and family studies with data collected during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and for research and clinical initiatives aimed at evaluating post-pandemic family interventions.