The constructs of ‘culture’ and ‘cultural identity’ have long been recognized by researchers as
important, but traditionally have been treated as static properties rather than in terms of their degree
and quality of internalization. Adopting the more dynamic view of internalization proposed by
Vygotsky and by self-determination theory (SDT), two studies tested the measurement properties of
the Cultural Internalization Scale (CIS), which assesses internal versus external reasons for endorsing
one’s ambient culture. In a U.S. sample, Study 1 (N = 149) provided evidence for the reliability, factor
structure, and predictive validity of the scale. Study 2 replicated these results in a second U.S. sample
(N = 205) and in a sample from China (N = 245). In addition, Study 2 demonstrated that greater
internalization of one’s ambient culture was associated with satisfaction of the basic psychological
needs for competence, relatedness, and autonomy. Discussion focuses on the potential applications
of the CIS in research on socialization, the cultural adjustment of immigrants and sojourners, and
implications for students in higher education settings.