ABSTRACT
A component of racial-ethnic-cultural (REC) identity, a sense of belonging to one’s REC group (REC Belonging; REC-B) has important implications for both individual psychological functioning and intra- and intergroup dynamics. Despite the substantial body of research on REC identity, a comprehensive and consensus definition and measurement of REC-B remains elusive. In this paper, we report the results of a systematic review and evaluation of 25 scales that attempt to define and measure REC-B or facets of it. Based on a review of the foundational theoretical and empirical literature on REC-B, we also propose a comprehensive definition of REC-B. Our study offers suggestions for future research in the area of understanding and assessing REC belongingness. This growing area of study has implications for promoting healing and well-being in BIPOC communities.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Notes
1. Given the interrelatedness of race, ethnicity, and culture with respect to identity, theorists recommend a move toward a REC-identity approach (Cokley, Citation2007; Neville et al., Citation2014). Accordingly, we use the term REC-B to encompass racial, ethnic, and cultural belongingness.