Counseling self-efficacy and counseling competence: A comparative study of clergy and counselors-in-training
Abstract
This study examined the relation between counseling self-efficacy, amount of training, and counseling competence of clergy and counseling students in training. Information was obtained and analyzed from sixty students; thirty from a master's level program at a midwestern seminary and thirty from a master's level counseling program at a midwestern university. All students completed a demographic information survey, the Counselor Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES; Johnson, Baker, Kopala, Kiselica, & Thompson, 1989), and participated in a videotaped counseling role play in which they portrayed a counselor helping a depressed client. The CSES measured both level and strength of perceived efficacy. Counseling competence was rated using two instruments. The Challenging Skills Rating Form (CSRF; Johnson et al., 1989) was used to evaluate skills of empathy, self-disclosure, confrontation, immediacy, and information giving. The Responding Proficiency Index (RPI; Baker, Scofield, Munson, & Clayton, 1983) was used to tally and categorize all counselor verbal leads except minimal encouragers. Results showed significant differences between the clergy and counseling groups of students. Independent t-test analyses indicated the groups differed with respect to counseling related coursework attained, counseling self-efficacy strength, and counseling competence, but did not differ with respect to counseling related experience or counseling self-efficacy level. Models were found for the prediction of counseling competence and counseling self-efficacy using stepwise multiple regression. Counseling competence was best predicted by type of student and counseling related coursework attained. Counseling related experience and counseling self-efficacy (level and strength) were not found to be predictors. Counseling related coursework attained was found to be the best predictor of counseling self-efficacy (level and strength) with counseling related experience also retained as a significant predictor of counseling self-efficacy strength. Theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Kelly, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Academic guidance counseling|Clergy|Educational psychology
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