Document Type
Dissertation
Date of Award
12-2023
School/College
College of Education (COE)
Degree Name
Ed.D., Counselor Education
Committee Chairperson
Candy H. Ratliff
Committee Member 1
Carol Parker
Committee Member 2
Jessica Davis
Committee Member 3
Ronnie Davis
Keywords
Counseling, Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselors, Perceived Stress, Psychological, Wellness
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between “wellness factors” and “psychological factors” on perceived stress among Licensed Professional Counselors. This study was concerned with the predictability of “wellness factors”, specifically self-care, other-care, and “psychological factors,” including self-esteem, anxiety, and resilience on counselor perceived stress. Counselors in this study are defined as Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Professional Counselor Associates (LPC-Associates), and Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisors (LPC-S). The population of this investigation consisted of counselors at various licensure status’ including LPCs, LPC-Ss, and LPC-As that are current and active members of the Texas Counseling Association, Texas School Counseling Association, and urban Counselor organizations in Texas. Counselors were generally clustered in the major metropolitan cities of Texas and surrounding counties. Counselors were contacted via social media, private practice phone calls, and email. A total of 250 counselors participated in this study. The data analysis contained the examination of three null hypotheses tested for this study. Testing of the three hypotheses was accomplished by using the Standard Multiple Regression Statistical Procedure. All hypotheses were tested at the .01 level or better. All three hypotheses were found to be significant at the .001 level. Regarding hypothesis one, the wellness factors of self-care and other-care were found to be significantly linearly related to perceived stress. The variable self-care was found to be an independent predictor of perceived stress. Regarding hypothesis two, the psychological factors self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and resilience were found to be linearly related to perceived stress. The variables self-esteem and depression were found to be independent predictors of perceived stress. Regarding hypothesis three, the combined wellness and psychological factors of self-care, other-care, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and resilience were found to be statistically linearly related to perceived stress. The variables self-esteem and depression were found to be independent predictors of perceived stress. The following recommendations are offered to counselors regarding perceived stress. As counselors continue to expand on various strategies of self-care and work-life balance, counselors may find that some attention given to their current levels of perceived stress, identifying which factors may be contributing to such stress levels, and evaluating coping strategies may be of professional and personal benefit. While counselors are still traditionally trained on the critically supportive nature of counselor-to-client relationships, further interpersonal research relating to the counselor themselves may provide additional support for counselor-related mental health. Continued research of statistically relevant variables relating to counselor perceived stress may provide a further knowledge base for counseling training programs, and continuing education opportunities to discuss and encourage counselor self- introspection toward perceived stress throughout the career of the practicing counselor. Additionally, personality cluster studies may also give insight into the types of interpersonal work counselors could be naturally inclined towards or excel in, thereby assisting in the strategic allocation of resources and professional development opportunities. Work done by Kim et al. (2023) highlights that Edwards & Bess, (1998) and McAuliffe & Lovell (2006) find that “counselors’ self-awareness of personal traits and their potential impact on the counseling process with clients are considered crucial” (pg. 2). To this end, specifically in relation to counselor, Kim et al. (2023) identified a four-profile model for counselor burnout and personal and professional self-discrepancy in counselor qualities. Further personality profile modeling may assist counseling in identifying similar patterns for perceived stress. The implications for research in counseling regarding counselor perceived stress is ongoing. It is essential to continue encouraging and informing counselors through ongoing research on stress-related issues. This research equips them with the tools to assess their professional and personal qualities, identify areas in which they may need support, all with the overarching goal of enhancing their self-awareness, well-being, and effectiveness in counseling. Further research is needed to expand on the concepts of counselor self-awareness, how, and what may motivate counselors to this end. Additionally, further research may help counselors identify which interpersonal and wellness factors are critical to their mental health and work lives.
Copyright
Copyright © for this work is retained by the author. Any documents and information presented are protected by copyright under US Copyright laws and are the property of the author. All Rights Reserved. For permission to use this content please contact the author or the Graduate School at Texas Southern University (graduate.school@tsu.edu).
Recommended Citation
Walding, Chase Allen, "The Impact Of “Wellness Factors” And “Psychological Factors” On Perceived Stress Among Licensed Professional Counselors" (2023). Dissertations (2016-Present). 91.
https://digitalscholarship.tsu.edu/dissertations/91