Aim: The purpose of this study was to measure implicit bias among nursing students toward lesbian and gay (LG) persons.
Background: Implicit bias is identified as a contributor to the health disparities experienced by LG persons. This bias has not been studied among nursing students.
Method: This descriptive, correlation study used the Implicit Association Test to measure implicit bias in a convenience sample of baccalaureate nursing students. Demographic information was collected to identify relevant predictor variables.
Results: Implicit bias in this sample ( n = 1,348) favored straight persons over LG persons ( D -score = 0.22). Participants identifying as male ( B = 0.19), straight ( B = 0.65), other sexuality ( B = 0.33), somewhat ( B = 0.09) or very religious ( B = 0.14), or enrollment in an RN-BSN program ( B = 0.11) predicted stronger bias favoring straight persons.
Conclusion: Implicit bias toward LG persons among nursing students remains a challenge for educators.
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