Psychometric Evaluation of the Identification with the Country Scale in a Chilean Sample

Group identification refers to a psychological connection with a group in which individuals incorporate group-defining characteristics into their self-concept. The scale developed by Mael and Ashforth is one of the most used, but it has not been examined in Chile. This study analyzed the psychometric properties of this scale in a Chilean sample using the country as the reference group. A one-factor structure and convergent validity were expected. The one-factor fit of the scale was evaluated in a non-probability sample (n = 523) through confirmatory factor analysis. The results were consistent with an essentially unidimensional structure (χ²/df = 3.99, p < 0.001, CFI = 0.973, TLI = 0.955, SRMR = 0.032, and RMSEA = 0.091), but they must be taken with caution. The model presented adequate factor loadings (>0.500), a high reliability (α = 0.87 and ω = 0.87) and convergent validity (identification with Chile and identity fusion with Chile measurements are related, r = 0.46-0.48, p < 0.001), although they represent different constructs. Finally, the model showed invariance for gender. The scale's relevance was discussed according to the possible positive and negative effects of identification with the country, particularly in contexts with important migration processes.