A Meta-analysis of the Effectiveness of Group Counseling Programs for Members of Multicultural Families

Objectives The purpose of this study is to utilize meta-analysis to provide foundational data for the research and application of effective group counseling programs for members of multicultural families. Methods To achieve this, the study selected 53 research papers, including 23 journal articles and 30 theses published in Korea, that met the analysis criteria, without restricting the publication year. A total of 151 effect sizes were calculated, and the meta-analysis was conducted using R and R Studio. Results The overall average effect size was found to be 1.46, indicating a large effect. The average effect sizes for subtypes of dependent variables were highest for cultural competency-related variables, followed by self-related variables, emotional-related variables, sociality-related variables, and family resilience, all of which were statistically significant. When examining effect sizes by moderating variables, the largest effect was observed in parent-child organizational characteristics, while mixed-age groups (adults and minors) showed the greatest effect size for member age. Groups of 10 to 14 members, a total number of sessions between 10 and 14, and session durations of less than 60 to 120 minutes demonstrated the largest effect sizes. Regarding the use of media, the average effect size was 1.67 when media was utilized, compared to 1.28 when it was not, indicating greater effectiveness with media use. The average effect sizes by type of media were highest for “other,” followed by play, art, dance/movement, and music. Conclusions These research findings provide significant insights for the development, implementation, and subsequent studies of group counseling programs aimed at multicultural family members.