Diversity and Multicultural Training in Exercise: A Qualitative Study of Graduate Students' Exposure and Training in Diversity

This qualitative research study examined exercise and sport psychology graduate students¿ exposure and/or training related to diversity. The participants were interviewed and the interviews were transcribed verbatim. Five major themes emerged from the analysis of the interviews. The findings suggested that diversity and multiculturalism are important aspects of exercise and sport psychology. This was highlighted by the participants¿ convictions and participation in diversity courses and training as part of their graduate studies. They further recommended that not only should there be diversity training, but that it should be extensive, mandatory, and multifaceted. Twenty-one competencies were identified as important for consultants who endeavoured to become competent in diversity and multicultural issues. The emergent themes and suggestions provided the framework for the researcher to develop a conceptual multicultural exercise and sport psychology graduate curriculum.