Serving culturally and linguistically diverse populations: The efficacy beliefs of speech-language therapists in Guam.

摘要

Few studies related directly to the beliefs of therapists servicing culturally and linguistically diverse populations have been done in the speech and language field. This case study examined the efficacy beliefs of speech-language therapists treating culturally and linguistically diverse student populations in Guam. The study examined the beliefs of therapists working within the Guam Public School System and utilized a sequential explanatory mixed methodology research approach. Therapists on Guam work with student populations that differ from the minority student populations of their mainland U.S. counterparts. While similar studies done in the United States primarily consist of culturally and linguistically diverse populations that fall within the "majority minority," Guam therapists are exposed to Pacific Islanders from the Marianas/Micronesian Island chains. Past studies have found the need to recruit more bilingual therapists, increase coursework at the university level that deals with diverse populations and even the need to work with diverse student populations before entering the field. This study found that the primary need for therapists included access to resources and adequate training for those in the field. Additionally, the efficacy beliefs of speech-language therapists on Guam are quite similar to their mainland counterparts despite location, cultural and linguistic background, and the passage of time.