The question
Researchers in Colombia needed a Spanish-language tool to assess mental health professionals' self-reported competency in working with LGBTQ+ clients. They also examined how training experiences and familiarity with clinical guidelines related to that competency.
The work
Nedim led contributions in methodology and formal analysis for the study. The team evaluated how the adapted questionnaire's items grouped together, the consistency of its scores and their relationships with other competency measures.
What the study found
The adapted scale showed evidence of reliability and validity in the study sample. Four factors emerged: clinical preparedness, knowledge, attitudes toward sexual orientation and attitudes toward gender identity. Separating the two attitude dimensions gave the team a more detailed picture than combining them into one score.
Training experience was associated with greater reported knowledge and preparedness, and more affirming attitudes toward gender minorities. Familiarity with translated APA guidelines for working with LGB clients was also associated with reported preparedness. These relationships do not establish that training or guidelines caused improvement, or that higher self-reported competency produced better client outcomes.
When this kind of work helps
When an organization adapts a questionnaire for a new language or setting, needs to distinguish different training needs, or wants to examine how professional development relates to reported competency.
Accepted for publication
Do LGBTQ+-Affirming Training and Clinical Guidelines Matter? Cultural Adaptation and Validation of a Psychologist LGBTQ+ Competency Scale in Colombia — Journal of Counseling Psychology. Authors: Sharon G. Horne, Reynel Alexander Chaparro, Nedim Yel, Jonathan Briseño and Chia-Po Cheng.