Ethnic Identity and Social‐Cognitive Maturity in a Multicultural Group Experience

Abstract

This study examined a multicultural group experience on students' (N = 94) ethnic identity development and social-cognitive maturity. Although no differences were identified between treatment and comparison group participants, group therapeutic factors scores were predictive of ethnic identity development and social-cognitive maturity. Implications for counselor educators and future research are discussed.

An International Learning Experience: Looking at Multicultural Competence Development through the Lens of Relational-Cultural Theory

“…Multicultural competency is clearly paramount for counselor education students and experiential learning in small groups has proven to be an effective pedagogical approach in promoting their multicultural competencies (Arthur & Achenbach, 2002;Johnson & Lambie, 2013). A study abroad experience can serve as an experiential learning strategy to promote the development of counselor education students.…”

“…The need for counselor education students to be prepared to work with diverse populations is clearly cited in the literature (Arthur & Achenbach, 2002), as it is the responsibility of training programs to prepare culturally-competent professionals to serve the needs of diverse clients (ACA, 2014;CACREP, 2016). Counselor education programs should consider incorporating experiential learning opportunities, such as study abroad programs, to promote the development of counselor education students (Arthur & Achenbach, 2002;Johnson & Lambie, 2013). Jaoko (2010) emphasizes that study abroad programs must be well designed to impact student development.…”