Cross-cultural clinical psychological assessment of Hispanic Americans

Some of the major misconceptions about psychological assessment and testing of Hispanics are examined. Current views of how cultural variables influence the assessment process, specific to Hispanics, are presented. A model for examining the phases of the assessment and points along that process most vulnerable to reliability and validity errors is suggested. The model in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; American Psychiatric Association, 1994) for cultural inclusion is examined. Assessing an Hispanic client's ethnicity and cultural background represents a valid and appropriate assessment technique when evaluating Hispanics. Examples of some ethnocultural variables were provided. The use of such variables may be a necessary step in competent interpretation of personality tests administered to Hispanics. The challenges of identifying and developing appropriate methods for more accurate interpretation of psychological measures are reviewed from the perspective of minimizing bias.