Date of Award

5-28-2020

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Graduate Department of Clinical Psychology

First Advisor

Glena Andrews, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Elizabeth Hamilton, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

David Martinez, Ph.D.

Abstract

Culturally relevant research has not kept pace with the most rapidly growing ethnic population in the United States. The Pacific Northwest consists of 1 million Mexican and Mexican Americans (López, 2015). Statistically, Latinos are considered one of the populations that is most often overrepresented within the lower socioeconomic status level. In addition, factors such as lack of resources, language barriers, and educational constraints play key obstacles to accessing medical treatment and mental health services in general and especially for specific groups such as those with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS; Lopez, 2015). Research has indicated high financial, emotional, and psychological expenses for society in order to care for people diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD; Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 2017). It is vital to provide this population with a tool that will be sensitive to the culture and help provide appropriate diagnoses and treatment for the family and community with individuals living with FASD. This study found 3 factors from the Culturally Correct FAS BeST (CCFAS BeST) that indicate behavioral differences in children born to younger mothers but no differences in behavior of children born to mothers who began drinking alcohol at a younger age. While the study was not able to establish validity or reliability for the CCFAS BeST due to the small homogenous sample, much was learned for continuing with the research.

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