An analysis of multicultural counseling courses: Selected outcomes

Susan Chavez Cameron, Purdue University

Abstract

This study was an exploratory investigation of whether multicultural counseling courses influenced participants' measured openness of belief systems, cultural knowledge, and cultural awareness/sensitivity. There were 140 subjects from 15 universities who participated in the study. Subjects were assigned to one of two treatment groups or a control group, according to the course instructor's initial survey response. Treatments were multicultural courses which were optional or required by the preparation program. Each group was tested prior to and at the end of the course. Five hypotheses were generated to determine if completion of a multicultural counseling course increases students' (1) openness of belief systems (2) knowledge of cross-cultural practices or (3) cultural awareness. Results indicated that participants' cultural knowledge and cultural awareness/sensitivity were increased. Ethnicity, age, and gender influenced performance on the measures. One conclusion was that multicultural counseling courses increase cultural knowledge and cultural awareness/sensitivity, regardless of whether it is a required or optional course. Another conclusion was that multicultural counseling courses did not change participants' openness of belief systems, but significant differences between minority and non-minority participants were present. Further research is needed in the area of the multicultural course outcomes and in the development of instruments to assess those outcomes.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Shertzer, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Academic guidance counseling

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