Measures of Racial-Ethnic-Cultural (REC) Belonging: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Issue 2 (3rd April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, B. Andi; Maghsoodi, Amir H.; Ruedas-Gracia, Nidia; Williams, Chelsea D.
• Is Part Of: Identity. Volume 23:Issue 2(2023)
• Page Start: 170
• Page End: 192
• Publication Date: 2023-04-03
• Subjects: Sense of belonging -- racial-ethnic-cultural identity -- identity development -- systematic review; Personality development -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Identity (Psychology) -- Periodicals; 155.2
• DOI: 10.1080/15283488.2022.2127725
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1528-3488

Abstract

ABSTRACT: A component of racial-ethnic-cultural (REC) identity, a sense of belonging to one's REC group (REC Belonging; REC-B) has important implications for both individual psychological functioning and intra- and intergroup dynamics. Despite the substantial body of research on REC identity, a comprehensive and consensus definition and measurement of REC-B remains elusive. In this paper, we report the results of a systematic review and evaluation of 25 scales that attempt to define and measure REC-B or facets of it. Based on a review of the foundational theoretical and empirical literature on REC-B, we also propose a comprehensive definition of REC-B. Our study offers suggestions for future research in the area of understanding and assessing REC belongingness. This growing area of study has implications for promoting healing and well-being in BIPOC communities.