The experiences of postgraduate psychology students regarding the development of multicultural competence

In this study the experiences of postgraduate psychology students were investigated. The investigation focused on a) their development of multicultural competence (MCC) and b) educational practices that enhance, hinder and / or mediate the development of MCC. A qualitative, single case study design was employed and a non-probability purposive sample was used. Data was gathered through the use of focus groups, while the procedure of thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The multidimensional framework for the development of intercultural maturity designed by King and Baxter Magolda (2005) was used to guide this investigation. This study’s results revealed that multicultural competence development (MCCD) takes place across the human lifespan and in a selection of specific contexts. Strategies to overcome obstables to MCCD were furthermore laid out. Participants’ subjective versus criteria measured developmental progress was found to differ significantly. The study identified specific educational experiences that promote MCCD both within and outside of the classroom. Finally, results indicate that the students’ MCC training is not sufficient in preparing them to work with culturally diverse individuals.