Multicultural Scale Development in Social Work

This book expands the literature on ecometrics (scale development in social work), giving particular attention to multiculturalism. The author presents a systematic process model for designing and validating scales that can be used in multicultural and multilingual contexts. Based on classical test theory, the process model draws on the work of Hudson and Faul in social work, as well as key cross-cultural writers such as Brislin and Butcher. Having presented the model, the author tests it by designing and validating a four- construct scale for the South African National Defence Force, called the 'Military Social Health Index'. The Index is used as part of the annual comprehensive health assessment of soldiers prior to deployment. The book provides a thorough review of resilience theory, particularly McCubbin's work on family resilience. The book will be of value to social workers and other social scientists interested in scale development and to mental health and family practitioners in the military.

Autorentext

MA Clinical Social Work (University of Cape Town), D Lit et Phil (Rand Afrikaans University). His research interests include HIV, women's participation in the military, and occupational social work. He worked for 17 years in the military, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He is a senior lecturer at the University of Johannesburg.