Self-awareness, distress disclosure, and peer connectedness as moderators of the relationship between shame and counselor self-efficacy among counseling trainees

ABSTRACT

Using a sample of 85 counselors in training, this online, survey-based moderation study examined the relationship between shame and counselor self-efficacy using a multiple linear regression model;it also examined self-awareness, distress disclosure, and peer connectedness as potential moderators between the relationship of shame and counselor self-efficacy, utilizing the Hayes PROCESS Macro. A significant inverse relationship was indicated between shame and counselor self-efficacy. Subscales utilized to assess for self-awareness did indicate moderation between the various subscales of internalized shame and counselor self-efficacy. Distress disclosure did moderate the relationship between Embarrassment and Exposed elements of shame and Client Distress subscale of counselor self-efficacy. Peer connection did not indicate moderation as hypothesized. Age and direct client hours were utilized as covariates in this study. Younger participants tended to report higher levels of self-efficacy than older participants, while those who had more direct client hours tended to report higher counselor self-efficacy. Results from this study further expound on the idea that the negative function that shame has on self makes it harder to also hold the positive view of self that relates to counselor self-efficacy. Principles from the Dunning-Kruger effect(Kruger & Dunning, 1999) appeared to give context of results around the moderating relationship self-awareness has with counselor self-efficacy. Key implications within the study highlight the importance of addressing shame within the context of counselor education. Development and purposeful use of self-reflective activities within courses and supervision can aid in buffering the relationship shame has on efficacy in handling relationship conflicts within counseling sessions. Future directions might include more focus on differences in shame found in younger and older counseling students and more development in the theory and assessment of self-awareness to account for principles outlined within the Dunning-Kruger effect. Development of a study that correlates distress disclosure scores with the amount of distress students are currently experiencing may provide fruitful information for supervision and educational development. Replication of the moderation study not during the COVID-19 pandemic may provide different results or further study identifying the benefits that connection with peers has within the counselor education process. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)