Fostering Diversity: the Role of Intergroup Contact in Counselor Education

This study applied intergroup contact theory to explore professional counselors’ attitudes toward diversity and the influence of intergroup interactions on their professional practice. Using a transcendental phenomenological approach, the qualitative analysis, consisting of interviews across eight participants, identified six key themes: personal growth, professional development, impact of intergroup contact, advocacy and social justice, influence of graduate training programs, and strategies for effective intergroup contact. The findings highlight the need for counselor education programs to integrate structured intergroup contact experiences to enhance multicultural competence among trainees. Recommendations for educators include incorporating diverse social interactions and experiential learning opportunities within training programs to foster positive attitudes toward diversity and improve counseling effectiveness.