| Research that has addressed treatment in multicultural psychology has increased considerably over the last 30 years. Cognitive-Behavior Therapy is one model of treatment which has emerged as effective with culturally diverse populations and with numerous diagnoses, including Borderline Personality Disorder. Although Borderline Personality Disorder has been well documented as a condition that is difficult to treat, there has been a noted deficit in the literature on the cultural, racial, and ethnic demographics in this population. Dialectical Behavior Therapy has become the cognitive-behavioral treatment of choice for Borderline Personality Disorder and its effectiveness is well-documented through empirically validated research. However, there is a lack of evidence supportive of this approach with culturally diverse populations, including Latina clients. Despite this lack of evidence, many mental health settings continue to provide Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Latina clients diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder.; This dissertation includes a comprehensive literature review on the growth of multicultural psychology, Borderline Personality Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder in the Latino population, the usefulness of various therapies with Latinos, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Latino cultural values. This review served as the rationale to develop an adaptation of Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Latina clients and a program for evaluation of the adaptation was provided. Finally, the conclusion of this dissertation examines clinical implications, methodological considerations, and issues for further research with Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Latina clients. |
