The Missouri Multicultural Counseling Interests (MMCI) Scale: factor analysis, validation, and reliability

Abstract

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] This dissertation describes three studies that address the development and validation of the Missouri Multicultural Counseling Interests (MMCI) scale. The MMCI was designed to assess counselors' interest in engaging in multicultural counseling activities as related to racial/ethnic minorities. Exploratory factor analysis results of the preliminary 39-item MMCI suggested a 20- item scale, with 4 factors that accounted for 63.6% of the variance. The factors are as follows: (a) Knowledge-Skill Transfer, (b) Practice, (c) Education, and (d) Conceptualization. The MMCI evidenced high internal consistency across the three studies, and test-retest reliabilities were adequate. Convergent validity was supported by significant correlations with scales assessing multicultural competency and interest in general practice. Discriminant validity was evidenced by an absence of relations between the MMCI subscale and total scores with a measure of social desirability. Implications for research, training, and practice are discussed.