Need for training or already OnTracc? Development and psychometric properties of an online transcultural competence questionnaire among psychotherapists

Abstract

The prevalence of mental disorders among people with migration experiences is high. Studies have shown that despite the increasing number of patients from different cultures requiring therapy, treating them is still a major challenge. Furthermore, professional training aimed at improving transcultural competence is rare, and psychometric instruments assessing transcultural competence require improvement. Accordingly, this study aimed to develop and evaluate an online transcultural competence questionnaire (OnTracc) to assess transcultural competence among psychotherapists. Based on extensive literature research and expert interviews, 38-self-report statements referring to aspects of transcultural therapy (e.g., skills, knowledge, and awareness) were compiled. In two studies, 306 psychotherapists completed the OnTracc questionnaire. The multicultural counseling inventory (MCI), personality factors (BFI-K), experience in transcultural therapy, and demographic data were assessed as control variables. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) revealed a 3-factor structure. The reliability of the scale ranged from ω = 0.73 to 0.81. These scales demonstrated substantial convergent and discriminant validity with the BFI-K and MCI subscales. Factorial validity was confirmed through confirmatory factor analysis. This validated inventory is the first to assess transcultural competence in therapeutic settings in the German language. Further analysis of the factorial validity of the different samples is recommended. Given the increasing diversity in the therapeutic landscape, additional development could help close the gap between the evolving treatment demands of culturally diverse patients and the lack of consideration in mental health and education.

Effectiveness of Internet-Based Training on Psychotherapists’ Transcultural Competence: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…NCT03038347). The primary outcome measure was the OnTracc questionnaire, which has been validated (Atzor et al, 2022). Data were collected across Germany as part of a project conducted at the University of Marburg, in collaboration with the Humboldt University in Berlin, from September 2020 to January 2021.…”

“…Primary Outcome Measure: Transcultural Competence (OnTracc). Transcultural competence was measured with the OnTracc questionnaire (Atzor et al, 2022) since no other adequate instrument for the context of psychotherapy was available in German. The inventory was developed with a specific focus on assessing transcultural competence in the context of psychotherapy in Germany, particularly when working with patients who have had migration experiences.…”

“…The training was operationalized as a learning process integrating a set of skills, behaviors, attitudes, and ongoing practices (Sue et al, 1992). Transcultural competence comprises the following three components: transcultural engagement, awareness, and handling challenges (Atzor et al, 2022).…”

Increasing transcultural competence in clinical psychologists through a web-based training: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

“…To date, there is no similar training that could have been used as an active comparator. In a pilot study, a third active control group was included, which only did the theoretical part of the exercises, but not the self-re ection exercises (awareness component) [43].…”

“…The intervention builds on the training program developed by von Lersner with contents from her book on transcultural psychotherapy [42]. A preliminary version of the program, which was primarily based on a web-based textbook approach, was tested in a pilot trial [43]. In the meantime, the training has been incorporated into an interactive web-based platform in which written information is complemented by image-, audio-and video-guided content.…”