Abstract
This dissertation describes the development of a multicultural competence scale from the perspective of the consumer. The initial item pool of 61 questions was developed from consumer focus groups (N = 25). A preliminary factor analysis was conducted using principal components analysis with 111 adult outpatient consumers who were active at Tri City Mental Health Center in Pomona, California. The five-factor solution accounted for 43.91% of the total variance explained, and a 30-item scale was generated. The following five factors were extracted: Factor 1, Respectful, comprised of 12 items and explained 15.86% of variance; Factor 2, Awareness of differences, comprised of 4 items and explained 7.80% of variance; Factor 3, Nonjudgmental, comprised of 4 items and explained 7.42% of variance; Factor 4, Multiculturally skilled, comprised of 5 items and explained 6.44% of variance; and Factor 5, Communicative, comprised of 5 items, and explained 6.40% of variance. Social desirability bias was not present. Criterion validity was examined by comparing the total scale and subscale scores with the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8) scores. Subscale 5, Communicative, had a significant positive relationship with CSQ-8 suggesting that the more communicative the provider is perceived, the more satisfied the consumer is with services. Moderately positive significant relationships were present between the five subscales scores. There were several positive significant relationships among consumer preference, such as gender and ethnic matching. Ethnically matched consumers did not report stronger multicultural and overall competence in their therapist. Implications and limitations of the study are noted.