Exploring ethnic identity in early adolescence: Psychometric evaluation of the multigroup ethnic identity measure (MEIM) in an ethnically diverse population-based sample of young people in Aotearoa New Zealand

We investigated the psychometric properties of the 12-item Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM) within a large ethnically diverse sample of young people in Aotearoa New Zealand (N = 4500), by using data from the longitudinal Growing Up in New Zealand study. This is the first ethnic-specific psychometric analysis of the MEIM in Aotearoa New Zealand, analyzed for Māori (n = 978), Pacific (n = 726), Asian (n = 646) and European (n = 2,263) ethnic groups. Model fit was acceptable for: an overall ethnic identity factor; a 2-factor-solution representing the two ethnic identity subcomponents of Exploration and Affirmation/Belonging; and a 3-factor structure of Engagement, Affective Pride and Cognitive Clarity. An additional total sample approach confirmed the fit of the 2- and 3-factor models, as well as full measurement invariance across ethnic groups for these models. All MEIM scales were positively associated with subjective quality of life, suggesting good construct/concurrent validity. The findings were largely comparable across ethnic groups. Our findings imply the MEIM is a suitable measure among adolescents in Aotearoa New Zealand, both within and across ethnic groupings. We recommend acknowledging nuances of ethnic identity during times of development and transition within unique cultural contexts by applying subscales and subgroup analyses.