Disequilibrium and Resolution: The Nonlinear Effects of Diversity Courses on Well-Being and Orientations toward Diversity

Recent literature suggests that participating in college diversity courses contributes to numerous positive outcomes. However, dealing with diversity issues is a difficult and novel experience for many students; therefore, some of the benefits of diversity coursework may accrue only after taking multiple courses. In a large multi-institutional sample, students who take one diversity course generally do not show greater gains in well-being and orientations toward diversity than those who take no courses. However, students who take two or more courses experience substantial benefits. Moreover, these effects vary somewhat by race, family income, and gender. Implications for practice are discussed.