Bicultural identity in childhood: Preliminary validation of the Bicultural Identity Integration Scale for Children (BIIS-C)

Objective: In the present study, we adapted and validated the Bicultural Identity Integration Scale for Children (BIIS-C). Method: 259 bicultural children (119 males, 140 females; Mage = 11.07, SD = 1.24) were providedwith a questionnaire. Based on adult versions of the scale, we tested the factorial structure of a set of 11nonreversed items tapping into harmony (vs. conflict; six items) and blendedness (vs. compartmentalization;five items) dimensions. Results: A two-factor model was compared with a one-factor model. In line withresearch on adults, results showed that the two-factor model (with nine items) fitted the data better than the onefactormodel. The two dimensions yielded reliable scores and were correlated in the expected direction withpersonality variables, acculturation attitudes, and perceived discrimination. Conclusions: The BIIS-C providesvalid and reliable scores for research on biculturalism in childhood