Impact of Intergroup Dialogue on LGBTQ+ and Non-LGBTQ+ Individuals in South Korea

Prejudice and discrimination against sexual and gender minorities contribute to mental health challenges. Intergroup dialogue (IGD) is a validated intervention for mitigating the conflicts. This 7-week IGD program aimed to diminish sociocultural prejudice against LGBTQ+ individuals and assess its effectiveness. Findings revealed improved cultural empathy and critical consciousness in both LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ groups. Non-LGBTQ+ participants exhibited increased comfort and empathy towards LGBTQ+ individuals and recognition of LGBTQ+ rights. LGBTQ+ participants reported a heightened awareness of minority issues and a greater motivation to challenge societal injustices. Session depth followed an inverted U-shape, while smoothness exhibited a U-shaped pattern, reflecting the four stages of IGD. Depth correlated positively with the working alliance, while smoothness was linked to both positive and negative emotions. This pioneering study highlights the potential of IGD in reducing prejudice and improving attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals, especially in less LGBTQ+-friendly contexts like South Korea, providing insights for future research.