Development and Preliminary Validation of the Vulgar Content Exposure Experience Scale

Abstract

In the present study, the Vulgar Content Exposure Experience Scale (VCEES) was developed and validated using an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design. For Phase 1, 15 participants were interviewed and 48 items were developed. Data obtained from 300 participants (18-50 years) were analyzed using Exploratory Factor Analysis with Varimax rotation in Phase 2. Results confirmed a three-factor structure: Cognitive-Moral Evaluation, Active Behavioral Exposure and Passive Algorithmic Exposure. The final 33-item scale demonstrated good reliability (α = .915) and acceptable to excellent subscale reliability (.820–.961). Convergent validity was supported by a significant correlation with an established measure, r = .564, p < .001. The results indicate that vulgar content exposure is a multifaceted phenomenon shaped by cognitive, behavioral, and algorithmic processes.