Adaptation and Psychometric Evaluation of the Indonesian Version of the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure–12 Among Minangkabau Adults

The use of ethnic identity instruments in different cultural contexts requires evidence that the adapted version has content appropriateness, internal structure, and measurement equivalence. This study aimed to adapt the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure-12 (MEIM-12) to Indonesian and evaluate the psychometric evidence of the scores among Minangkabau adults. The adaptation process included translation, evaluation by five experts, content validity assessment, and cognitive interviews. The internal structure was tested using confirmatory factor analysis with a maximum likelihood robust estimator to compare unidimensional and two-factor models, while reliability was evaluated using McDonald's omega and convergent validity using average variance extracted (AVE). Measurement invariance across sexes was tested using a multi-group confirmatory factor analysis. All items demonstrated adequate content validity (I-CVI ≥ .80; S-CVI/Ave = .95). The modified two-factor model showed the best fit (CFI = .944, TLI = .925, RMSEA = .083, SRMR = .056). All factor loadings were significant, and both dimensions demonstrated good reliability (ω = .806–.844). AVE met the criterion for the Affirmation and Belonging dimension (.512), whereas the Exploration dimension had a value of .456. Measurement invariance testing supported measurement equivalence up to the strict invariance level across the sexes. Overall, the Indonesian version of the MEIM-12 demonstrated preliminary evidence of validity and reliability, supporting its use as a two-dimensional measure of ethnic identity among Minangkabau adults. The instrument may also provide complementary information for culturally responsive counselling, particularly in exploring clients' experiences of ethnic identity and belonging.