Developing the Ethnic Identity Scale Using Eriksonian and Social Identity Perspectives

TLDR

The Ethnic Identity Scale (EIS) is grounded in Erikson’s and Tajfel’s theories and measures exploration, resolution, and affirmation of ethnic identity. The study aimed to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of the new Ethnic Identity Scale. The authors administered the EIS, familial ethnic socialization, and self‑esteem scales to 846 participants, using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses in Study 1 with university students and psychometric evaluation in Study 2 with high‑school students. The EIS demonstrated a three‑factor structure of exploration, resolution, and affirmation, with subscales correlating as predicted with familial ethnic socialization and self‑esteem.

Abstract

Abstract Two studies were conducted to develop and explore the psychometric properties of the newly developed Ethnic Identity Scale (EIS). Consistent with Erikson's and Tajfel's theoretical perspectives, the EIS assesses 3 domains of ethnic identity formation: exploration, resolution, and affirmation. In both studies, participants (N = 846) completed measures of familial ethnic socialization and self-esteem in addition to completing the EIS. In Study 1, we employed exploratory and confirmatory analyses to examine, refine, and confirm the factor structure of the EIS among university students (n = 615). In Study 2, we examined the psychometric properties of the EIS among high school students (n = 231). Results revealed a three-factor solution that reflected the proposed components of exploration, resolution, and affirmation. Furthermore, the three subscales were related in expected ways to measures of familial ethnic socialization and self-esteem.