Conceptualization and measurement of ethnic identity: Current status and future directions.
Abstract
In this article, the authors examine the conceptualization and measurement of ethnic identity as a multidimensional, dynamic construct that develops over time through a process of exploration and commitment. The authors discuss the components of ethnic identity that have been studied and the theoretical background for a developmental model of ethnic identity. The authors review research on the measurement of ethnic identity using the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (J. Phinney, 1992) and present a revised version of the measure. The authors conclude with a consideration of the measurement issues raised by J. E. Helms (2007) and K. Cokley (2007) and suggestions for future research on ethnic identity. Ethnic identity is many faceted. This is made clear in the special issue of which this article is a part. But recognizing that ethnic identity has many facets is merely a start to understanding it. Ethnic identity derives from a sense of peoplehood within a group, a culture, and a particular setting. Yet ethnic identity is not merely knowledge and understanding of one's ingroup affiliations, even as such insights and comprehension are part of it. The achievement of a secure ethnic identity derives from experience, but experience is not sufficient to produce it. Because one's ethnic identity is con- structed over time, the actions and choices of individuals are essential to the process. Ethnic identity is distinct in some ways from other group identities, such as racial identity…
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Damage to one's culture directly harms health by denying individuals vital culture-related health protective factors including cultural/ethnic identity and pride, cultural coping and healing strategies, and supportive social, community, and family networks.
“damage to one’s culture directly harms health by denying individuals vital culture-related health protective factors including (1) cultural/ethnic identity and pride (Crocker et al., 1994; Phinney and Ong, 2007); (2) cultural coping and healing strategies (Gone, 2013); and (3) supportive social, community, and family networks (Krieg, 2009; Norris et al., 2002).”
From Cultural trauma as a fundamental cause of health disparities (2022) · cites this paper as Phinney and Ong, 2007
Research has indicated good reliability for the MEIM-R, with internal consistency (Cronbach's α) ranging from 0.76 to 0.91 for the two subscales and 0.81-0.89 for the overall scale.
“Research has indicated good reliability, with internal consistency (Cronbach’s α) ranging from 0.76 to 0.91 for the two subscales and 0.81–0.89 for the overall scale (Phinney and Ong, 2007; Yoon, 2011; Brown et al., 2014).”
From Assessment of culture and environment in the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development Study: Rationale, description of measures, and early data (2018) · cites this paper as Phinney and Ong, 2007
Studies focused exclusively on ethnic identity development were excluded because its development is conceptualized distinctly from other forms of identity.
“Studies focused exclusively on ethnic identity development were excluded because its development is conceptualized distinctly from other forms form of identity (Phinney & Ong, 2007).”
From Identity Development and Social-Emotional Disorders During Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (2022) · cites this paper as Phinney & Ong, 2007
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“Ethnic/cultural identity is thus conceptualized as a multi-dimensional, dynamic construct that develops over time via exploration and commitment to one’s ethnic group (Phinney and Ong, 2007).”
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- Authors
- Phinney, J. S., & Ong, A. D.
- Affiliations
- California State University Los Angeles (US)
- Cornell University (US)
- ORCID
- Ong, Anthony D.
- Venue
- Journal of Counseling Psychology
- Published
- 2007-07
- Volume
- 54
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 271-281
- ISSN
- 0022-0167 (ISSN-L)
- 1939-2168
- OpenAlex
- W2075716908
- Cited by
- 2,127
- References
- 4
- Citations by year
- 2026: 88 · 2025: 121 · 2024: 115 · 2023: 115 · 2022: 137 · 2021: 191 · 2020: 129 · 2019: 151 · 2018: 137 · 2017: 123 · 2016: 142 · 2015: 129 · 2014: 122 · 2013: 104 · 2012: 107
- FWCI
- 144.80
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Counseling Psychology (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- National Institutes of Health (S06 GM-08101)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Racial and Ethnic Identity Research
- Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Social and Intergroup Psychology
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Identity, Memory, and Therapy
- Keywords
- ethnic identity, Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure, ethnic identity measurement, ethnic identity formation, ethnic identity exploration, ethnic minorities in the United States, racial identity, group identity
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