Ethnic identity: Factor structure and measurement invariance across ethnic groups

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Cultural Studies

Background:

• Ethnic identity is a crucial psychological construct in diverse societies like the U.S.
• The Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM) is widely used but lacks consensus on its psychometric properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the factor structure of the MEIM.
• To assess the measurement equivalence/invariance (ME/I) of the MEIM across different ethnicities.

Main Methods:

• Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was employed to identify the factor structure.
• Measurement invariance testing was conducted across various ethnic groups.

Main Results:

• A two-factor model (affirmation/commitment and exploration) demonstrated the best fit for the MEIM.
• Configural and metric measurement equivalence was observed between Caucasian and non-Caucasian participants.
• Partial scalar invariance was found for most minority groups compared to Caucasians, but not for the Hispanic subgroup.
• Significant differences in ethnic identity factor means were identified between Caucasians and African Americans.

Conclusions:

• The two-factor model of the MEIM is recommended for use.
• The MEIM is considered an appropriate measure for assessing ethnic identity in most, but not all, ethnic groups.
• Further research is needed to address limitations and explore ethnic identity measurement in specific subgroups.