Mapping patterns of perceptions: A community-based approach to cultural competence assessment

Unclear definitions and limited system-level assessment measures inhibit cultural responsiveness in children's mental health. This study explores an alternative method to conceptualize and assess cultural competence in four children's mental health systems of care communities from family and professional perspectives. Concept Mapping was used to generate relational maps reflecting indicators of cultural competence and pattern match comparisons within and across communities. Differences and similarities in conceptualizations and participant group comparisons of average statement ratings on three criteria were found among communities. An aggregated map containing 117 statements within 15 clusters of cultural competence is presented. Concept mapping offers promise for contextually conceptualizing and assessing cultural competence. Implications for practice in systems of care are discussed.