Psychometric Evaluation of the Six-Item Version of the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure with East Asian Adolescents in Canada

Abstract

We examined the psychometric properties of scores on a six-item version of the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM) among East Asian adolescents in Canada. A series of confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) was conducted for 4,190 East Asians who completed a provincial survey of students in grades 7 through 12. The MEIM measured highly correlated dimensions of ethnic identity (exploration and commitment). Further, multigroup CFA indicated that the scale measured the same constructs on the same metric across three age groups and across four groups with varying degrees of exposure to Canadian and East Asian cultures. The findings suggest the short version of the MEIM can be used to compare levels of ethnic identity across different age or acculturation groups.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The 2008 British Columbia Adolescent Health Survey was used with permission of the McCreary Centre Society.

Notes

Note. S-B χ² = Satorra-Bentler scaled chi-square; RMSEA = root mean square error of approximation; CI = confidence interval; SRMR = standardized root mean square residual; CFI = comparative fit index.

*p < .001.

Note. S-B χ² = Satorra-Bentler scaled chi-square; RMSEA = root mean square error of approximation; CFI = comparative fit index; Δ CFI = difference in comparative fit indices.

*p < .001.

^a Post hoc least significant difference tests to compare group means.

^a Those who spoke a heritage language at home.

^b Those who spoke English at home.

^c Post hoc least significant difference tests to compare group means.