DEVELOPMENT AND INITIAL VALIDATION OF THE MULTICULTURAL COUNSELING SELF-EFFICACY SCALE - RACIAL DIVERSITY FORM

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to develop and validate the Multicultural Counseling Self-Efficacy Scale - Racial Diversity Form (MCSE-RD). Theoretical underpinnings of the study were derived from social cognitive theory and the literature of multicultural counseling. Specifically, the MCSE-RD is designed to assess the helping professional's perceived abilities in providing individual counseling to racially diverse clients. Data were collected from 181 graduate students in counseling-related programs. Results of an exploratory factor analysis retained 37 items and indicated that the MCSE-RD consists of three underlying factors. The MCSE-RD subscale and total scores showed adequate internal consistency and test-retest reliabilities. Also, convergent and discriminant validity was initially supported by differential relations of MCSE-RD scores to general counseling self-efficacy, multicultural counseling competency, and social desirability. Finally, the MCSE-RD scores correlated significantly with demographic variables and educational/training backgrounds. In conclusion, psychometric properties of the MCSE-RD were initially supported by findings of the study.