Measuring Afrocentrism: A Review of Existing Instruments

Abstract

Measurement of Afrocentrism and investigation of Afrocentricity’s significance in the lives of Black Americans has gained momentum, given the current evidence suggesting that cultural factors matter in the lives of diverse populations. In particular, factors associated with African philosophical constructs may have significant relationships with improved mental health and overall well-being among African and African diaspora populations. However, the prior conceptual literature suggests that Afrocentrism is a heterogenous concept with a multitude of domains associated with its measurement. The present study was envisioned given the relative absence of studies evaluating the availability and psychometric properties of Afrocentric measures within social work. Utilizing systematic analysis methodology and PRISMA guidelines, a search for Afrocentric measures was undertaken using four key databases. Spanning the literature between 1980 and 2021, this review identified a total of seven instruments that fully met the study’s inclusion-specific criteria. In accordance with the call for continued research and practice emphasizing resilience and protective factors within the lives of Black populations, the present study provides accessible knowledge to researchers and practitioners on the currently available instruments to evaluate Afrocentrism in the lives of populations of African descent.