The Multidimensional Structure of Racial Identification

Theoretical interest in African American racial identification remains substantial (Parham & Williams, 1993). The need for new models and measures to further our understanding of racial identification has been acknowledged (Ponterotto, 1989). This study provides confirmation of the four factor structure of an existing scale that uses a multidimensional conceptualization of African American racial identification. Four hundred and twenty-five African Americans, including 254 females and 167 males, were interviewed. All participants were 18 years of age and older. The 30-item Multidimensional Racial Identification Scale-Revised was used to assess the orientation of participants on four proposed parameters of racial identification. The results of a confirmatory factor analysis were consistent with the proposed four parameter model. The subscales generated were found to have acceptable internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The usefulness of a multidimensional model of racial identity is discussed.