Development of the ethnic and racial socialization of transracial adoptee scale

Abstract

Objectives: This study describes the development and initial validation of the 15-item Ethnic and Racial Socialization of Transracial Adoptee Scale (ERSTAS). Method: Using the model of Boykin and Tom on Black family socialization, the items were developed and validated using two different Asian adoptee samples. Results: Two subscales, ethnic socialization and racial socialization, were identified through principal axis factor (PAF) analysis. The ERSTAS and its subscales demonstrate strong internal consistency as well as discriminant validity and correlate significantly with ethnic identity measures. Although the racial socialization subscale was significantly related to self-esteem and depression, the total scale and the Ethnic Socialization subscale scores were not. Conclusions: The ERSTA is a relatively short, easy-to-use, and theoretically developed measure. The initial psychometric properties of the scale highlight its utility within the transracial adoptee group. © The Author(s) 2010.