Introduction
The Asexual Microaggressions Scale (AMS) was developed by Aasha B. Foster in her 2017 doctoral dissertation at Columbia University. It is the first psychometric instrument specifically designed to measure everyday microaggressions—subtle, often unintentional slights and invalidations—experienced by asexual individuals. Asexuality, characterized by little or no sexual attraction, remains one of the most overlooked sexual orientations in both research and public discourse. The AMS fills a critical gap, providing researchers and clinicians with a validated tool to document the unique forms of prejudice that asexual people face.
Theoretical Foundations
The AMS is grounded in Derald Wing Sue's microaggressions framework, originally developed for racial minorities and later extended to sexual orientation. Microaggressions are brief, everyday exchanges that send denigrating messages to members of marginalized groups. The scale also draws on the concept of "compulsory sexuality" (Emens, 2014)—the societal assumption that everyone experiences sexual attraction and that sexuality is a universal, necessary human experience. This assumption positions asexuality as deviant or deficient, forming the deeper cultural backdrop against which microaggressions occur.
Following recommended scale development procedures (Worthington & Whittaker, 2006), Foster generated items from a close reading of asexuality literature and related discrimination measures, refined them through expert review, and tested them with 738 participants online. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses yielded a 16-item, four-factor structure with strong psychometric properties.
The Four Dimensions
1. Expectations of Sexuality — captures experiences where others assume the individual experiences sexual attraction, engages in sexual humor, or is interested in sexual activity. The underlying message: "Everyone is sexual."
2. Denial of Legitimacy — measures the dismissal of asexuality as a valid orientation, through statements like "It's just a phase" or "You haven't met the right person yet." This erases asexuality as a real identity.
3. Harmful Visibility — reflects negative, pathologizing reactions when asexuality is disclosed—being told something is "wrong" or needing to be "fixed." When asexuality becomes visible, the response is often corrective or stigmatizing.
4. Assumptions of Causality — captures the tendency to attribute asexuality to external causes such as trauma, medical conditions, or developmental delay, implying it is a symptom rather than an orientation.
Applications
Researchers use the AMS to study the impact of microaggressions on asexual mental health. Clinicians can employ it to foster cultural competence and better understand asexual clients' lived experiences. Educators and advocacy groups use it to raise awareness. Any individual who identifies on the asexual spectrum may find the scale useful for personal reflection.
Free Test
Take the free Asexual Microaggressions Scale at CheckPsych.com/tests/ams. Your results remain anonymous.
References
Foster, A. B. (2017). *Measuring social invisibility and erasure: Development of the Asexual Microaggressions Scale* (Doctoral dissertation, Columbia University).
Sue, D. W. (2010). *Microaggressions in everyday life: Race, gender, and sexual orientation*. John Wiley & Sons.
Emens, E. F. (2014). Compulsory sexuality. *Stanford Law Review*, 66(2), 303–380.
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Disclaimer: This scale is for informational and self-reflective purposes only and is not a clinical diagnostic instrument.