Gay Peer Crowds Questionnaire

Abstract

The Gay Peer Crowds Questionnaire (GPCQ) is a 23-item self-report measure designed to assess the affiliations of self-identified gay men with distinct sub-groups, or peer crowds, present within the larger gay community. Developed by Lai, Willoughby, Doty, and Malik, the GPCQ evaluates several dimensions related to these crowds, including their perceived existence, the individual’s degree of identification with them, and their primary affiliation.

The scale focuses on 12 specific peer crowds—such as Activist, Bear, Circuit Partier, Drag Queen, and Twink—and utilizes a mix of categorical and continuous response formats, including a 5-point Likert-type scale for identification ratings. The GPCQ also gathers data on the social perception, reputation, and attractiveness associated with these groups, providing a comprehensive assessment of social structure among adult gay men.

Keywords

Gay men, peer crowds, social affiliation, subcultures, identity, health risk behaviors, criterion validity, self-report measure, sexual minorities.

Authors

Betty S. Lai, Brian L. B. Willoughby, Nathan D. Doty, Neena M. Malik.

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Purpose

The primary purpose of the GPCQ is to systematically measure and categorize the social affiliations of adult gay men within their community. This instrument moves beyond general community identification to delineate specific, recognized sub-groups (peer crowds) and quantify the degree to which individuals relate to these defined identities.

The scale further serves to explore the psychosocial significance of these affiliations by assessing related factors, such as the perceived existence of the crowd, the individual’s closest social network ties (friends and partners), and the perceived reputation and attractiveness of the crowds, linking these social structures to potential outcomes like health risk behaviors.

Construct

The GPCQ measures the construct of Peer Crowd Affiliation and Identification within the adult gay male community, adapting the methodology previously used for adolescent peer crowds. This construct is operationalized across three main sections:

1. Existence of Peer Crowds: Respondents are provided with descriptions of 12 key peer crowds (e.g., Activist, Bears, Goths) and asked to determine if they believe each group exists (Yes, No, Unsure). They are also asked to provide other common names for these groups in an open-ended format.
2. Self-Identification: This section measures the degree of identification with each of the 12 crowds on a 5-point Likert-type scale (1 = Not at all, 5 = Very Much). It also captures primary group identification and the perceived social status (likability/dislikability) of the respondent’s group by others.
3. Group Affiliation: Affiliation is measured through five questions that assess close social network ties and attraction, such as which group the respondent wishes to be part of, which group their closest gay male friend belongs to, and which group the respondent is most attracted to.

Validity

Initial evidence supporting the validity of the GPCQ was established through a large empirical investigation (Willoughby et al., 2008) conducted using a web-based study involving 340 self-identified adult gay men.

Content Validity: Content validity was established during the development phase. A preliminary list of gay subcommunities, based on limited empirical data (Clausell & Fiske, 2005; Peacock et al., 2001), was reviewed by an informal focus group of gay men and researchers specialized in psychological research and sexuality. This feedback ensured the final list and descriptions of the 12 peer crowds were representative of the community structure.

Criterion Validity: Initial evidence for criterion validity showed that identification with specific peer crowds was significantly associated with health risk behaviors, independent of demographic factors like age, income, and education. For instance, greater identification with Circuit Partiers, Bears, Muscle Boys, Granolas, Goths, and Artsy crowds correlated with increased risk for adverse health behaviors (e.g., binge drinking, high-risk sexual behavior). Conversely, identification with Suburbans, Professionals, and Twinks was associated with significantly less risk-taking behavior. Furthermore, high rates of congruence were found between self-identification and social attraction (e.g., 63% of men identifying as Bears were primarily attracted to Bears).

Reliability

The source content does not provide specific details regarding the psychometric reliability (e.g., internal consistency or test-retest reliability) of the GPCQ items or sections.

Factor Analysis

A formal factor analysis is not reported in the provided source material. The GPCQ is structured as a measure of explicit social identity and perceived group existence, where items are generally examined individually or grouped by the three defined sections (Existence, Identification, Affiliation), rather than derived from a latent factor structure.

Instrument

Test Type: Self-report measure; Social Affiliation Assessment.

Format: 23-item questionnaire. Responses include categorical options (Yes/No/Unsure) and continuous ratings on a 5-point Likert-type scale (1 to 5).

Language Available: English (Original development).

Population Group: Self-identified adult gay men.

Age Group: Adults (initial study sample ranged from 18 to 72 years old).

Population Details: The initial validation sample (N=340) was diverse in education and ethnicity (80% Anglo-European). The majority of men surveyed endorsed the existence of the 12 peer crowds, with Drag Queens, Bears, and Circuit Partiers being the most consistently recognized.

Test Methodology: Self-administration, typically completed in a survey format (web-based for initial study). Total administration time is approximately 10 minutes.

Keywords

Social identity, peer affiliation, subcultures, gay community, health behaviors, sexual identity, psychology of men, social cognition.

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Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: Not provided in source.

Affiliation Email addresses: [email protected] (Correspondence Author).

Correspondence Address: Betty Lai, Department of Psychology, University of Miami, P. O. Box 249229, Coral Gables, FL 33124.

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

Test Year: The scale was developed and initially validated circa 2008.

Permissions and Fees: Information regarding formal permissions and associated fees is not provided in the source material. Researchers should contact the corresponding author, Betty Lai, for usage rights.

Reference’s

• Clausell, E., & Fiske, S. T. (2005). When do the parts add up to the whole? Ambivalent stereotype content for gay male subgroups. Social Cognition, 23, 157–176.
• La Greca, A. M., Prinstein, M. J., & Fetter, M. D. (2001). Adolescent peer crowd affiliation: Linkages with health-risk behaviors and close friendships. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 26, 131–143.
• Mackey, E. R., & La Greca, A. M. (2006). Adolescents’ eating, exercise, and weight control behaviors: Does peer crowd affiliation play a role? Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 32, 13–23.
• Peacock, B., Eyre, S. L., Quinn, S. C., & Kegeles, S. (2001). Delineating differences: Sub-communities in the San Francisco gay community. Culture, Health, and Sexuality, 3, 183–201.
• Willoughby, L. B., Lai, B. S., Doty, N. D., Mackey, E., & Malik, N. M. (2008). Peer crowd affiliations of adult gay men: Linkages with health risk behaviors. Psychology of Men and Masculinity, 9, 235–247.

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Items of the Gay Peer Crowds Questionnaire

IMPORTANT: The following scale items must be preserved in their original language and must not be changed in any way.

Certain groups or “peer crowds” of gay men may exist in the United States or Canada. We’d like to ask you about whether or not you believe these different groups exist.

Section I. Existence of Peer Crowds Please check the box indicating your answer. Yes No Unsure

1. Is there a group of gay men who are interested in political and social issues and promote/protest certain □ □ □

   views and policies (“Activists”)?

   What might be other names for gay men who are “Activists”? ————————————

2. Is there a group of gay men who are hairy (e.g., beards) and have husky builds (“Bears”)? □ □ □

   What might be other names for gay men who are “Bears”? ————————————

3. Is there a group of gay men who are very interested in arts, such as writing, poetry, galleries, and/or □ □ □

   theatre performances (“Artsy”)?

   What might be other names for gay men who are “Artsy”? ————————————

4. Is there a group of gay men who rebel against the norm (in clothing or ideas, for example), or attempt not □ □ □

   to conform to social ideals (“Goths/Alternatives”)?

   What might be other names for gay men who are “Goths/Alternatives”? ————————————

5. Is there a group of gay men who follow the club scene and go to circuit parties (Circuit Partiers”)? □ □ □

   What might be other names for gay men who are Circuit Partiers”? ————————————

6. Is there a group of gay men who live in suburban areas, enjoy the comfort of home, and shy away from □ □ □

   the gay social scene (“Suburbans”)?

   What might be other names for gay men who are “Suburbans”? ————————————

7. Is there a group of gay men who spend a lot of time working out and like to maintain a muscular physique □ □ □

   (“Muscle Boys”)?

   What might be other names for gay men who are “Muscle Boys”? ————————————

8. Is there a group of gay men who are well educated, have white-collar jobs, and/or lead wealthy lifestyles □ □ □

   (“Professionals”)?

   What might be other names for gay men who are “Professionals”? ————————————

9. Is there a group of gay men who wear leather or uniforms for social activities (“Leather Men”)? □ □ □

   What might be other names for gay men who are “Leather Men”? ————————————

10. Is there a group of gay men who dress up and/or perform as women (“Drag Queens”)? □ □ □

    What might be other names for gay men who are “Drag Queens”? ————————————

11. Is there a group of gay men who are concerned about the environment and nature, liberal in political □ □ □

    beliefs, and/or vegetarian, vegan, or have other dietary restrictions (“Granola”)?

    What might be other names for gay men who are “Granola”? ————————————

12. Is there a group of gay men who are boyish-looking, with a slim or athletic figure and little body hair □ □ □

    (“Bois/Twinks”)?

    What might be other names for gay men who are “Bois/Twinks”? ————————————

13. What other adult gay peer crowds may exist? (please list) ————————————

    Section II. Self-Identification Please check the box indicating your answer.

    14. How much do you identify with the:

    	Not at All	Somewhat	Very Much
    	1 2	3 4	5
    Activists	□ □	□ □	□
    Bears	□ □	□ □	□
    Artsy	□ □	□ □	□
    Goths/Alternatives	□ □	□ □	□
    Circuit Partiers	□ □	□ □	□
    Suburbans	□ □	□ □	□
    Muscle Boys	□ □	□ □	□
    Professionals	□ □	□ □	□
    Leather Men	□ □	□ □	□
    Drag Queens	□ □	□ □	□
    Granolas	□ □	□ □	□
    Bois/Twinks	□ □	□ □	□

    15. Which one of these groups, if any, do you identify with? (Select one that fits you best)

    • Activists □

    • Bears □

    • Artsy □

    • Goths/Alternatives □

    • Circuit Partiers □

    • Suburbans □

    • Muscle Boys □

    • Professionals □

    • Leather Men □

    • Drag Queens □

    • Granolas □

    • Twinks □

    • None/Average □

    16. How is your group treated by most other gay men? (Select one)

    Very Disliked □ Moderately Disliked □ Neutral □ Moderately Liked □ Very Liked □

    17. Can your group be identified by other gay men who are not part of your group? Yes □ No □

    18. Does your group have symbols (e.g., certain clothes), behaviors (e.g., hanging out at similar places), or values (e.g., believe in same things)? Yes □ No □

    Section III. Group Affiliation Please select one group for each column.

    19. Which one of these groups, if any, would you most like to be a part of?

    20. Which one of these groups would your friends say you are most similar to?

    21. Which group does your closest gay male friend (not including your partner) belong to?

    22. Which group are you most attracted to?

    23. Which group does your relationship partner belong to?

    	Q19	Q20	Q21	Q22	Q23
    Activists	□	□	□	□	□
    Bears	□	□	□	□	□
    Artsy	□	□	□	□	□
    Goths/Alternatives	□	□	□	□	□
    Circuit Partiers	□	□	□	□	□
    Suburbans	□	□	□	□	□
    Muscle Boys	□	□	□	□	□
    Professionals	□	□	□	□	□
    Leather Men	□	□	□	□	□
    Drag Queens	□	□	□	□	□
    Granolas	□	□	□	□	□
    Twinks	□	□	□	□	□
    None/Average	□	□	□	□	□