Effects of a multi-factor education program on attitude toward Gays and Lesbians in child and youth worker students

The question addressed was whether negative attitude towards gays and lesbians would be positively changed and the change maintained over time by an in-depth education program. Thirty-five students participated in 2 three hour sessions aimed at preparing them to respond effectively to gay/lesbian youths. The program increased exposure to gay/lesbian culture; challenged stereotypical beliefs; and addressed the value conflict between the helping self-image and holding negative attitudes. The first post test showed a significantly more positive score in the experimental group on affective and cognitive measures, but no significant difference in behavior. Group means were not significantly different four weeks later but the data indicated the development of a trend toward a positve increase in the experimental group's behavior. Attitude was changed but was not maintained by the in-depth program.