Validation of the Ethnic Identity Scale With Americans of Arab Heritage

The validity and reliability of the Ethnic Identity Scale (EIS) was examined for use with Arab Americans. Sample one consisted of 156 Arab Americans (99 female; 57 male) and sample two consisted of 166 Arab Americans (103 female, 51 male, 7 nonbinary). Participants completed an online questionnaire including measures of ethnic identity, socialization, self-esteem and social desirability. A confirmatory factor analysis supported the three-factor structure of the EIS. A K-means cluster analysis classified Arab Americans into eight ethnic identity clusters. Evidence of construct validity was demonstrated across the dimensions with correlations ranging from r = .25–.35 with self-esteem, r = .48–.53 with familial ethnic socialization, and r = .15 with social desirability. Achieved positive cluster had the largest number of participants (38%) and majority of participants were placed into one of the positive clusters (75%) indicating high affirmation scores. The discussion explores clinical and research implications.