Enhancing Multicultural Competence Through Virtual Reality: A Quasi-Experimental Study in Counselor Education
Abstract/Description/Artist Statement
Multicultural competence is a foundational component of counselor preparation; however, traditional experiential strategies such as role-plays and classroom simulations may not fully capture the complexity of culturally diverse client experiences. This ACES–Intelligent Video Solutions (IVS)–funded study examines the impact of virtual reality (VR)–based experiential learning on the multicultural competence of counselors-in-training. Using a quantitative, one-group pretest–posttest quasi-experimental design, master’s-level counseling students enrolled in a required course will participate in immersive VR simulations featuring culturally diverse client scenarios. Multicultural competence will be assessed using the Multicultural Counseling Inventory (MCI) before and after the intervention.
Across a 17-week semester, students will receive foundational instruction in multicultural counseling principles, followed by structured VR-based client simulations, guided reflection, and faculty-led debriefing. Paired-samples t-tests will be conducted to determine whether statistically significant differences exist between pre- and post-intervention MCI scores. It is hypothesized that VR-led experiential learning will significantly enhance students’ multicultural awareness, knowledge, skills, and relational competence.
By evaluating VR as a scalable, immersive tool for fostering empathy and cultural responsiveness, this study contributes to emerging scholarship on technology-enhanced counselor education. Findings may inform curriculum design, faculty development, and best practices for integrating advanced simulation technologies into counselor preparation programs, ultimately strengthening the preparation of culturally responsive counselors equipped to serve increasingly diverse communities.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Dr Lauren Robins
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Email
lrobins@odu.edu
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Department
Counseling and Human Services
College/School Affiliation
Darden College of Education & Professional Studies
Student Level Group
Graduate/Professional
Presentation Type
Poster
Enhancing Multicultural Competence Through Virtual Reality: A Quasi-Experimental Study in Counselor Education
Multicultural competence is a foundational component of counselor preparation; however, traditional experiential strategies such as role-plays and classroom simulations may not fully capture the complexity of culturally diverse client experiences. This ACES–Intelligent Video Solutions (IVS)–funded study examines the impact of virtual reality (VR)–based experiential learning on the multicultural competence of counselors-in-training. Using a quantitative, one-group pretest–posttest quasi-experimental design, master’s-level counseling students enrolled in a required course will participate in immersive VR simulations featuring culturally diverse client scenarios. Multicultural competence will be assessed using the Multicultural Counseling Inventory (MCI) before and after the intervention.
Across a 17-week semester, students will receive foundational instruction in multicultural counseling principles, followed by structured VR-based client simulations, guided reflection, and faculty-led debriefing. Paired-samples t-tests will be conducted to determine whether statistically significant differences exist between pre- and post-intervention MCI scores. It is hypothesized that VR-led experiential learning will significantly enhance students’ multicultural awareness, knowledge, skills, and relational competence.
By evaluating VR as a scalable, immersive tool for fostering empathy and cultural responsiveness, this study contributes to emerging scholarship on technology-enhanced counselor education. Findings may inform curriculum design, faculty development, and best practices for integrating advanced simulation technologies into counselor preparation programs, ultimately strengthening the preparation of culturally responsive counselors equipped to serve increasingly diverse communities.