Cultural identification in Native Americans.

Abstract

This study explored the use of the Draw-a-Person projective drawing technique as an indicator of cultural identity with Native Americans and the Multi-group Ethnic Identity Measure to determine if Native Americans had higher cultural identity than non-Native Americans. Results of this study did not support the use of the Draw-A-Person technique to determine cultural identity among Native Americans. However, results did indicate that Native Americans had higher cultural identification as shown by the Multi-group Ethnic Identity Measure in the total score, t(48) = 3.48, Q. <.05, and the subscales of affirmation and belonging and ethnic behaviors. Although the results of the Draw-A-Person did not indicate a difference between Native American and non-Native Americans, previous research provided a strong base for further exploration of drawing techniques in this manner. The positive results of the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure suggest the value, potential and need for more related work.