College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Term of Award

Summer 2027

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.)

Document Type and Release Option

Dissertation (open access)

Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Department

Department of Psychology

Committee Chair

Jeff Klibert

Committee Member 1

Rebekah Estevez

Committee Member 2

Nicolette Rickert

Abstract

Consistent with Liberation theory, problematization is the process of creating critical reflection, a means by which critical consciousness occurs. It is a method for understanding issues faced by oppressed populations, while centering the perspective of these populations. Within Liberation spaces, problematization is critical for fostering critical consciousness, disrupting oppression, and promoting strength. However, problematization is a theoretical concept frame from narrative responses and lived experiences of marginalized individuals. There are few resources highlighting depictions of problematizing/critical consciousness and cultural strengths captured by measures of BIPOC community functioning. Therefore, there is a need to empirically evaluate major tenets of the concept and develop a psychometrically sound measure using best practices and statistical procedures with samples of BIPOC adults located in the U.S. Three separate studies were conducted to evaluate the psychometric properties of the measure. The first study utilized exploratory factor analyses to identify a measurement model and an adequate factor structure. The second study utilized confirmatory factor analyses to confirm the structure of the measurement model. In addition, the second study evaluated internal consistency and convergent validity against measures of community connectedness and identity empowerment. Results across studies produced a viable and sound measurement model. Specifically, the items held up well within unidimensional factor structure. The general problematization factor achieved good internal consistency and excellent convergent validity with community connectedness and identity empowerment. Finally, results highlighted a mediated effect, where community connectedness partially explains the relation between problematization and identity empowerment. Methodological and clinical implications are discussed. Specifically, the measures limitations and strengths are highlighted in detail. Next steps regarding how the measure should be extended and implemented are also offered. Overall, the creation of the Problematization Scale offers a strength-based resource for researchers and clinicians and opens the door by which problematization can be conceptualized in quantitative investigations.

Research Data and Supplementary Material

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