Critical Consciousness Measure Development and Testing

Abstract

Critical consciousness is the ability to identify inequity, appraise its impact, and act toward transforming unjust systems. The current study presents initial psychometric testing of the Critical Consciousness Measure (CCM). Following community-based participatory research principles, a community board conducted the study. Secondary baseline data was analyzed from a randomized controlled trial with 602 formerly incarcerated men with histories of substance use disorder. The total sample was randomly split into two equal-sized subsamples for exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Construct validation incorporated both subsamples. EFA identified a bifactor model including a general critical consciousness factor with two subfactors: knowledge and action. CFA confirmed the bifactor structure. The 10-item CCM had very good fit (SRMR = 0.026, AGFI = 0.996, NFI = 0.998) and construct validity (r ≥ 0.23, p < 0.01). Further validation is needed with other populations.

Keywords

oppression White privilege anti-racism incarceration substance use disorder

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