Challenges in Measuring Demonstrated Multicultural Competence With Teachers and School Counselors

• In Event: Poster Session 15
  In Poster Session: Expanding the Field of Diversity Research in Psychology and Education

Abstract

Multicultural counseling competence (MCC) has been conceptualized as the awareness, knowledge, and skills that counselors need to work effectively with diverse individuals. Existing research relies on participant self-report rather than assessing demonstrated competencies. This presentation describes two studies designed to examine MCC in school counselors and teachers using diversity-related vignettes to assess demonstrated competence. The school counselor study examined participant responses to a range of events involving students. Ratings of multicultural sophistication were compared with self-reports of MCC and demographic factors. The teacher study also used vignettes to evaluate MCC before and after a workshop on how to address stereotyping behaviors. Based on results, strengths and areas for improvement of vignette-based research assessing multicultural competence are discussed.

Authors

• Nicolina Ann Calfa, The University of Texas - Austin

• Sonia Hart, The University of Texas - Austin

• Elizabeth Crowe, The University of Texas - Austin

• Colleen Jaimie McCarthy, The University of Texas - Austin

• Michele Guzman, Ph.D., The University of Texas - Austin

• Christopher J. Mccarthy, The University of Texas - Austin