Scale Description

The Major Experiences of Discrimination Scales [MEDS-9] is a psychological tool designed to assess the discrimination experiences individuals have encountered in various aspects of their lives. The scale includes 9 items that evaluate discrimination experiences in areas such as employment, housing, education, and interactions with authorities. The tool is used to record the extent and frequency of discrimination, as well as its impacts on individuals’ mental and physical health.

Scope: The scales assess significant discrimination experiences across different areas, such as employment, healthcare, education, and interactions with public authorities.

Dimensions: The tool includes items that measure the frequency, intensity, and consequences of discrimination experiences.

Data Analysis and Use

Data analysis for the MEDS-9 involves:

Result Processing: Collecting responses from the scales and calculating scores for each area of discrimination.

Data Interpretation: Analyzing scores to understand the extent of discrimination experiences and their impacts on individuals’ mental and physical health.

Application: Results can be used by researchers, psychologists, and social workers to develop intervention programs, inform policies to combat discrimination, and support individuals who have experienced discrimination.

Objective

The primary objectives of the MEDS-9 are:

Assessment of Discrimination Experiences: To assess significant discrimination experiences individuals have encountered and identify areas of life where discrimination is more likely to occur.

Understanding Impacts: To examine how discrimination experiences affect mental and physical health, as well as overall well-being.

Intervention Design: To guide the development of strategies for supporting individuals who have experienced discrimination and promoting equality and inclusion in society.

Scoring

Scoring for the MEDS-9 includes:

Scores: Each item is rated based on the discrimination experiences reported by individuals, using a Likert scale to evaluate the frequency and intensity of experiences.

Statistical Analysis: Data are analyzed to ensure the reliability and validity of the scale, using normalized data to compare individual scores.

Normalized Data: Scores are compared with normalized data for interpreting discrimination experiences relative to other similar populations.

References

Williams, D. R., Yu, Y., Jackson, J. S., & Anderson, N. B. (1997). Racial differences in physical and mental health: Socio-economic status, stress, and discrimination.

Krieger, N. (1999). Embodying inequality: A review of concepts, measures, and methods for studying health consequences of discrimination.

Lewis, T. T., Cogburn, C. D., & Williams, D. R. (2015). Self-reported experiences of discrimination and health: Scientific advances, ongoing controversies, and emerging issues.

Pascoe, E. A., & Smart Richman, L. (2009). Perceived discrimination and health: A meta-analytic review.

Williams, D. R., & Mohammed, S. A. (2009). Discrimination and racial disparities in health: Evidence and needed research.