Examining the psychometric validity of the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure-Revised (MEIM-R) in a community sample of African American and European American adults.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure-Revised (MEIM-R), focusing on a sample drawn from a geographic region in the United States that has not been included in previously published research on the MEIM-R. Data were obtained from a community-based sample of 105 African American (AA) and 91 European American (EA) adults located in the state of Alabama. The MEIM-R was best represented by two constructs-exploration and commitment. AA adults reported higher levels of racial/ethnic identity exploration and commitment than EA adults. Differential item functioning was found among 1 of the exploration items. The current study provides additional support for the structural validity of the MEIM-R. Further research on the invariance of responses to the MEIM-R across a variety of sociodemographic factors is still necessary.

Relationships Between Ethnic Identity, Ethnic Attitudes, and Acculturative Stress in Tunisian Individuals in Early and Middle Adolescence

“…In a context such as Sicily for Tunisians, where adolescents have different opportunities to have contact with both their heritage and the mainstream culture, exploratory behaviors are allowed by the family and the larger society, becoming the resources through which Tunisian youth learn about the history, traditions, and customs of their group in order to reach a clear understanding of the meaning of their ethnicity in terms of commitment. In this perspective, as many scholars noted, EIE is a kind of prerequisite for perceiving a sense of belonging to an ethnic group during adolescence (Chakawa, Butler, & Shapiro, 2015;Phinney & Ong, 2007;Syed & Azmitia, 2010). This is well known by authors involved in ego identity research who have stressed the importance of the exploration process for the development of personal identity, and, consequently, for an individual's well-being (Crocetti et al, 2008;Luyckx, Goossens, & Soenens, 2006).…”

Language as Ethnicity: Evaluating the Psychometric Properties of the MEIM-R in a Multi-ethnic Population in India

“…The scale measures ethnic identity, with higher scores indicating a more achieved ethnic identity (Phinney & Ong, 2007). Studies in the United States (Brown et al, 2014;Burrow-Sanchez, 2014;Chakawa et al, 2015;Yoon, 2011) as well as Canada, Italy and Bulgaria (Homma et al, 2014;Musso et al, 2017;Phinney & Ganeva, 2011) have supported the correlated two-factor structure. Other studies have used the MEIM-R beyond replication, such as in Tanzania with various tribes such as Chagga, Massai and Nyakyusa (Drescher et al, 2017), in New Zealand with New Zealand Pākehā (those of British or European ancestry), Chinese, Samoan and Māori (indigenous) groups (Webber et al, 2013).…”

Ethnic Identity Attachment and Motivation for Weight Loss and Exercise among Rural, Overweight, African-American Women

“…Because certain research has also indicated that ethnic identity acts as a protective factor against thin ideals, this could further compound the effect. As previously stated, African-American women tend to feel more strongly attached to their ethnic identity than women from other ethnic groups; 11,12 however, it is unclear to what degree this attachment is positively or negatively associated with motivation for engaging in a healthy lifestyle. Understanding the unique impact of identity and its relation to engagement in health behaviors is crucial in a population that experiences some of the worst health outcomes in a variety of areas, such as rates of obesity and diabetes.…”

“…For instance, African-American women tend to feel more strongly attached to their ethnic identity than European American women. 11,12 The level of identification with one's ethnicity can impact multiple facets of life, especially if one strongly identifies with their ethnicity.…”