Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure-Revised (MEIM-R) in a sample of Aymara children and adolescents in northern Chile. Methods: The sample consisted of 938 Aymara students, of whom 486 (51.8%) were males and 452 (48.2%) females, aged 9 to 18 years (M=12.75; SD=2.61). The factor structure of the test was analyzed through confirmatory factor analysis, and internal consistency was estimated using Cronbach's Alpha and McDonald's Omega coefficients. A convergent validity analysis was conducted, examining the relationship between ethnic identity and life satisfaction. Finally, the factorial invariance of the scale was analyzed between males and females, as well as between pre-adolescents and adolescents. Results: The expected two-factor correlated structure demonstrated excellent goodness of fit (RMSEA=.055; CFI=.986). The dimensions Exploration (alpha=.81; omega=.81) and Commitment (alpha=.82; omega=.82) showed adequate internal consistency. Ethnic identity was positively related to life satisfaction. Lastly, factorial invariance was established at all levels (Configural, Metric, and Scalar) for males and females, as well as for pre-adolescents and adolescents. Conclusion: The MEIM-R demonstrated excellent psychometric properties for the population of Aymara children and adolescents in northern Chile.