A Measure of Traditionalism for Ameican Indian Children and Families: Psychometric Properites and Factor Structure

Factor analytic findings from culturally specific instruments measuring traditionalism as one aspect of cultural identity are described, based on the self-reports of American Indian children and parents. Findings indicate that traditionalism is a multidimensional construct that can be measured reliably. Results are important because few psychometrically adequate instruments exist to assess either traditionalism or acculturation among American Indian families. Implications for refinements in measuring child and family acculturation and examining the relationship with the social/emotional development of American Indian children are discussed.