Thesis Defence: Investigation of Dimensionality and Development of a Precise Measure of Multicultural Self Efficacy for Counsellors

Nataasha Khattar, supervised by Dr. Brian O’Connor, will defend their thesis titled “Investigation of Dimensionality and Development of a Precise Measure of Multicultural Self Efficacy for Counsellors” in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology.

An abstract for Nataasha Khattar’s thesis is included below.

Defences are open to all members of the campus community as well as the general public. Registration is not required for in person defences.

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ABSTRACT

Background: Humans are social and cultural beings. We all have racial, ethnic and social identities. It is thus crucial to integrate these into the practice of therapy and research. With the increasing rates of migration (and consequently diversity) all over the globe, multicultural society is likely to be a rule rather than an exception. This diversity will also reflect in the clinician’s offices, necessitating future clinicians to be multiculturally competent. Multicultural competence comprises of clinicians’ knowledge of their own cultural background, perceived notions and biases; clinicians’ efforts to understand and validate the worldviews of clients from different backgrounds; and clinicians’ skills to engage in culturally appropriate and sensitive therapy and assessments.

Objectives: This research aimed to investigate the dimensionality of multicultural competence as there is some confusion in the literature. This was followed by adapting a precise scale based on items from previous measures using item response theory for measurement precision.

Method: A sample of 165 graduate students in clinical, counselling psychology and social work programs were recruited. The data was collected primarily from North America and India. A scale for checking socially desirable responding was also included. Dimensionality analysis and item response theory were used to assess the psychometric properties of the existing multicultural competence scales. Network Analysis and exploratory factor analysis were then used to identify item clusters in order to derive the items for the new brief scale. Item response theory was conducted on this new scale with three factors.

Implications: This research helps further our understanding of the dimensionality of multicultural self-efficacy and suggests pools of items that provide more precise measurement of the construct based on modern psychometrics.