Development and validation of the Australian Aboriginal racial identity and self-esteem survey for 8-12 year old children (IRISE_C).

C S Kickett-Tucker,D Lawrence,S R Zubrick,D Christensen,F Stanley,D J Johnson

doi:10.1186/s12939-015-0234-3

C S Kickett-Tucker, D Lawrence + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-015-0234-3

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Abstract

IntroductionIn Australia, there is little empirical research of the racial identity of Indigenous children and youth as the majority of the current literature focuses on adults. Furthermore, there are no instruments developed with cultural appropriateness when exploring the identity and self-esteem of the Australian Aboriginal population, especially children. The IRISE_C (Racial Identity and Self-Esteem of children) inventory was developed to explore the elements of racial identity and self-esteem of urban, rural and regional Aboriginal children. This paper describes the development and validation of the IRISE_C instrument with over 250 Aboriginal children aged 8 to 12 years.MethodsA pilot of the IRISE C instrument was combined with individual interviews and was undertaken with 35 urban Aboriginal children aged 8–12 years. An exploratory factor analysis was performed to refine the survey and reduce redundant items in readiness for the main study. In the main study, the IRISE C was employed to 229 Aboriginal children aged 6–13 years across three sites (rural, regional and urban) in Western Australia. An exploratory factor analysis using Principal axis factoring was used to assess the fit of items and survey structure. A confirmatory factor analysis was then employed using LISREL (diagonally weighted least squares) to assess factor structures across domains. Internal consistency and reliability of subscales were assessed using Cronbach’s co-efficient alpha.ResultsThe pilot testing identified two key concepts - children’s knowledge of issues related to their racial identity, and the importance, or salience, that they attach to these issues. In the main study, factor analyses showed two clear factors relating to: Aboriginal culture and traditions; and a sense of belonging to an Aboriginal community. Principal Axis Factoring of the Knowledge items supported a 2-factor solution, which explained 38.7 % of variance. Factor One (Aboriginal culture) had a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.835; Factor 2 (racial identity) had a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.800, thus demonstrating high internal reliability of the scales.ConclusionThe IRISE_C has been shown to be a valid instrument useful of exploring the development of racial identity of Australian Aboriginal children across the 8–12 year old age range and across urban, rural and regional geographical locations.

Highlights

In Australia, there is little empirical research of the racial identity of Indigenous children and youth as the majority of the current literature focuses on adults
The pilot testing identified two key concepts - children’s knowledge of issues related to their racial identity, and the importance, or salience, that they attach to these issues
Corenblum [3] states that “racial-ethnic identity and self-esteem are important indicators of positive mental health and adjustment among low status and minority group members”, and that positive racial identity provides a buffer against the negative impacts of prejudice and discrimination often experienced by minority groups

Summary

Introduction

In Australia, there is little empirical research of the racial identity of Indigenous children and youth as the majority of the current literature focuses on adults. There are no instruments developed with cultural appropriateness when exploring the identity and self-esteem of the Australian Aboriginal population, especially children. It is generally accepted that having a positive view of oneself is beneficial to health and wellbeing Those with a high self-esteem (or self-concept) can cope more efficiently with life's challenges; they feel valued, respected and generally lead happy and productive lives [1]. Those “who feel good about themselves and their abilities are likely to be more effective than individuals with low self-concepts” and are less likely to have anxiety or depression [2]. The extent to which one’s cultural group is recognised and clearly defined in one’s mind is positively related to a clear definition of one’s self and subsequently, one’s self-esteem [4,5,6]

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