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The Westerman Aboriginal Symptom Checklist Adults (WASC-A)

The Westerman Aboriginal Symptom Checklist – Adults (WASC-A) was developed at the same time as the Westerman Aboriginal Symptom Checklist – Youth (aged 13 -17 years) in 2003 and has undergone psychometric validation.

Validation Study 1: Bright, C., (2012). Initial Validation of the Westerman Aboriginal Symptom Checklist – Adults (WASC-A)
Validation of the WASC-A scale: a screening tool for Aboriginal Adults (aged 18 and above) at risk of depression, suicidal behaviours, alcohol and drug use, impulsivity and anxiety. The scale also determines levels of cultural resilience as a moderator for risk. The WASC-A is based on the Westerman Aboriginal Symptom Checklist – Youth (WASC-A).

The WASC-A will shortly undergo validation with an Indigenous forensic population. We are excited to report on the outcomes of this validation in the next few months.

The WASC-A is not accessible without undergoing accredited training. Those who have undertaken accreditation in the WASC-Y will automatically be accredited in the WASC-A.

The WASC-A start up package includes the WASC-A manual, 30 copies of the WASC-A test, 10 reply paid envelopes and a hold all satchel. The WASC-A manual is extensive and can act as a great resource for those who work in Aboriginal mental health. It covers the methodology associated with the development of the WASC-A including the rationale for the development of a unique psychological test. It also includes current critique and review of available adult Aboriginal Mental Health literature; main outcomes of Dr. Westerman’s PhD which includes overview of the development of the Westerman Aboriginal Symptom Checklist—Youth (WASC-Y) and WASC-A; prevalence data obtained Australia wide from both scales which includes rates of depression, anxiety, suicidal behaviours, drug and alcohol useage, impulsivity and cultural resilience.

The manual also provides an overview of the covariance amongst disorders; the impact of cultural resilience as a moderator of risk; rates of risk for mental ill health amongst youth and adults sampled with the WASC-Y and WASC-A and implications for practice. The manual also includes outcomes of Dr. Westerman’s initial study and what has been achieved since then from this initial evidence base. This includes an overview of validated culture bound syndromes in Aboriginal populations Australia wide; the development and validation of the Aboriginal Mental Health Cultural Competency Profile (CCP); General Cultural Competency Profile (GCCP); delivery of IPS’ Cultural Competency Intervention Programs and importantly an overview of the impacts of IPS Whole of Community Suicide and Mental Health Intervention Programs which has been the main focus of the use of the WASC-Y and WASC-A data. Finally, the manual also provides comprehensive Cultural and Clinical Validation Guidelines which guides the practitioner through cultural best practice counseling and assessment methodologies for use with the Aboriginal client.

All of this information (and more) is also covered in the accredited training programs on “Mental Health Assessment of Aboriginal Clients” and “Suicide Prevention in Aboriginal communities” which can be found at the SHOP page.

Cost: $1,008 AUD (including GST and postage).

The WASC-A refill pack can then be purchased following the purchase of the Start Up Pack. This includes 30 copies of the WASC-A.

Cost: $395 AUD (including GST and postage).