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Abstract

Despite the importance of racial and ethnic socialization (RES) processes for Black women, RES assessment has largely been limited to youth. We expand on the literature by examining the factor structure and convergent validity of the Adolescent Racial and Ethnic Socialization Scale (ARESS). As part of a cross-sectional psychometric validation study, Black women (n = 422) completed a modified ARESS (ERES-AR) and measures assessing race-related beliefs/attitudes, protective factors and symptoms. Exploratory Factor Analysis revealed five factors: Promotion of Pride, Active Cultural Socialization, Preparation for Bias, Passive Cultural Socialization, Promotion of Integration. In support of measure validity, Promotion of Pride was associated with identity, resilience, and depression. Active Cultural Socialization was associated with identity and resilience, while Preparation for Bias was associated with the superwoman schema, identity, belonging, resilience, rumination and worry. Passive Cultural Socialization was associated with resilience, belonging, and identity. Promotion of Integration was associated with the superwoman schema, belonging, and resilience. Our results show there are overlapping and distinct aspects of RES that are associated with meaningful psychological variables.

Plain Language Summary

Racial and ethnic socialization refers to the process through which individuals learn about their race and ethnicity. Although racial and ethnic socialization is an important process for Black women, no measures exist specifically for this understudied and underserved group. This paper found that racial and ethnic socialization has distinct components with unique associations with gendered racial ideologies, racial identity, and mental health.

Keywords

racial and ethnic socialization racial identity Black women psychometric

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Measuring Racial and Ethnic Socialization: Adaptation of the ARESS for Black Women

Abstract

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