Capturing experienced invisibility among people with multiple stigmatized identities: The experienced invisibility scale protocol

Amanda K Sesko, Alexandra N Fisher and Monica Biernat

PLOS ONE, 2026, vol. 21, issue 10, 1-24

Abstract: Invisibility is the experience of not being attended to, remembered, differentiated from others, or given credit for contributions. In the current registered report, we aim to validate the Experienced Invisibility Scale (EIS), a measure designed to capture experiences of invisibility, which are most likely to be experienced by people with multiple stigmatized identities. As proof of concept, we first present a pilot study testing the factor structure of the EIS, in which we found that: 1) a bifactor model (“unheard” and “unnoticed”) best represents the structure of experienced invisibility, but that calculating a total score is likely to be sufficient for most purposes, 2) the EIS is most likely to be experienced by those with multiple stigmatized identities, and 3) initial tests of convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity were supported. We then propose three studies to further validate the EIS and its links to social identities. Study 1 will distinguish the EIS from related constructs of social exclusion, objectification, rejection sensitivity, positive and negative affect, and other experiences of discrimination, test the temporal stability of the EIS, and examine relationships with well-being. Study 2 will examine whether the EIS predicts additional outcomes including health, low felt impact, perceived powerlessness, and denial of services or power. Study 3 will test hypotheses that Black women (compared to White women and Black and White men) will report experiencing more invisibility, and will show stronger relationships between invisibility and negative outcomes. We hope this work will aid scholars in better understanding invisibility as a form of discrimination.

Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0361028

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0361028

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