Ethnic Identity - Phinney

• Dataset Code: CyAF
• Scored Data: EIPySCc
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Abstract

Ethnic Identity - Phinney (Adolescent Pathways Project, 1994) is a 9-item scale adapted from a measure developed by Jean S. Phinney (1992). It assesses participants' feelings about the ethnic identity group with which they identify. The scale includes three factors: exploration, group-esteem, and ambivalent (confusion or discontent regarding ethnicity) ethnic attitudes.

The items in this instrument can be grouped to assess three different constructs of teen ethnic identity. The Exploration of Ethnic Attitudes (Explore) scale assesses an adolescent's active interest in his or her ethnic background. It consists of 4 items (3, 6, 7,8). The Group Esteem (Esteem) measure consists of 3 items (1,2,5) and reflects positive attitudes toward one's ethnic group. The Ambivalent Ethnic Attitudes (Ambivalent) construct includes 2 items about discontent with one's ethnic group or confusion about ethnic identity. Items 4 and 9 comprise this subscale.

All of the factors, items and subscales identified here may be used with the African American youth. Given the low coefficient alpha for the Ambivalent subscale among Caucasian youth and for the total sample, this subscale should not be used with these groups. Nevertheless, the other two subscales (Esteem and Exploration) and the total measure may be used. Given their small sample sizes, it is not advisable to conduct analyses by ethnic group with youth who identify themselves as Hispanic, Native American, or Other.

Keywords: Racial Identification, Ethnicity, Racial Attitudes, Self Concept.

Administration History

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