The effect of the contact theory based training program for reducing xenophobia

The increasing immigrant population in Türkiye in recent years has led to the threat of xenophobia in the society. This study aimed to reduce the xenophobia levels of psychological counselling and guidance students at a state university in Türkiye. The research was a mixed method. The quantitative part of the research was designed as a 2 × 3 quasi-experimental design. There were 14 participants both in the experimental and control groups of the study. An 11-week training program based on contact theory was applied to the experimental group participants for reducing xenophobia, while no intervention was done to the control group. In the qualitative part of the study, participants’ views on the training programme were evaluated through assignments and program evaluation form. Quantitative findings showed that the training program was effective in reducing xenophobia level and this effect continued six months later. Qualitative findings provided additional evidence that the program was effective, supporting the quantitative findings.