EXPLANATORY STYLES OF COUNSELLORS IN TRAINING: A CONTENT ANALYSIS AND QUANTITATIVE STUDY OF WRITING SAMPLES

Abstract

How we explain good events and bad events is based on the extent to which we personalize events and view them as permanent and pervasive. By optimistically interpreting events, counsellors can help clients accentuate the good and minimize the bad. Optimistic problem-focused coping comprises a considerable part of what counsellors do to respond to varied worldviews and perspectives. This research study explored the development of optimism in counsellors in training over the course of their program. Across the three optimism dimensions and within good events and bad events, there was only one occurrence of a positive relationship between counsellor training time and expressed optimism. The results were surprising because they contrasted with counselling psychology literature that has implied a positive developmental trajectory for counsellors in training. The implications for future research and changes in practice and training have the potential to support optimism and hope for counsellors and their clients.