Ethnic Identity Development Measures: Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure

The Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM) is a survey measure of ethnic identity. It was developed for use with adolescents and young adults. It can be used with adults, but it is not appropriate for children. The original measure, published in 1992, was based on the developmental theory of Erik Erikson and the social identity theory of Henri Tajfel. It has undergone revision to increase the clarity of the measure in relation to the concept. In the current version of the measure, ethnic identity is conceptualized in terms of two processes, exploration of the meaning and implications of one's ethnicity, and commitment to one's group. These processes parallel the exploration and commitment processes of ego identity formation described by James Marcia.

Ethnic identity exploration involves learning about one's ethnicity through studying or reading about it, talking to people, visiting museums and exhibits, and taking part in ethnic events. The exploration subscale of the MEIM includes items such as, “I have spent time trying to find out more about my ethnic group” and “I have often talked to other people to learn more about my ethnic group.” Research across ethnic and age groups has yielded high reliability coefficients, with Cronbach alphas between .65 and .83.

Ethnic identity commitment involves a strong sense of membership in one's ethnic group and positive feelings about being a group member. Typical items in the commitment subscale are, “I have a strong sense of belonging to my own ethnic group” and “I feel good about my cultural or ethnic background.” Reliabilities have been consistently high across ethnic groups, with alphas between .81 and .92.

Factor analyses of the MEIM have demonstrated that exploration and commitment are distinct factors. Research has shown that they have different correlates; commitment is generally more strongly correlated with self-esteem than is exploration, whereas exploration appears more strongly related to the perception of discrimination. The commitment subscale corresponds closely with the common usage of the term ethnic identity and can be used alone to assess a sense of belonging to one's group.

The two subscales are related, with Pearson correlations ranging from .54 to .69 across studies. Therefore, the MEIM can be used as a single scale combining the two subscales. Reliabilities for the single scale are typically above .90. High scores on the single scale indicate an achieved ethnic identity, defined by the presence of both exploration and commitment. An individual with an achieved ethnic identity has a secure sense of self as an ethnic group member, based on a clear understanding of the meaning of his or her group membership. Low scores indicate a diffuse ethnic identity, defined by the lack of both exploration and commitment. This individual has a relatively weak sense of belonging and a lack of interest in, and understanding of, his or her group. Individuals high in exploration and low in commitment are considered in moratorium; those high in commitment and low in exploration are in foreclosure. Because of the correlation between exploration and commitment, moratorium and foreclosure statuses may overlap and may not be clearly identifiable using the MEIM.

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