Dogmatism, Locus of Control, Perceived Counselor Self-Efficacy, and the Theoretical Orientation Of Students in a Master's Level Counseling Practicum

Purpose The purpose of this study was to fill a gap in the literature by examining the relationship between dogmatism, locus of control, counselor self-efficacy, and counselor theoretical orientation in a sample of master’s level practicum students. Method A total of 45 master’s practicum students completed a series of four instruments, the DOG Scale, the Internal Control Index, the Counselor Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Theoretical Orientation Profile Scale-Revised. Data were analyzed using quantitative analysis. Cronbach’s alphas were computed to answer the first research question, to determine if the instruments were reliable for the sample. A series of Pearson product-moment correlations were used to answer the second research question. This question addressed whether there were any relationships between dogmatism, locus of control, or perceived counselor self-efficacy. Finally, a MANOVA was conducted to answer research question three. The MANOVA was used to see if there were statistically significant differences in respondents’ levels of dogmatism, locus of control, and perceived counselor self-efficacy based on their theoretical orientation. Results The analyses revealed that the instruments were reliable for the sample. Also the Pearson’s product correlations suggested a large, positive correlation between locus of control and perceived counselor self-efficacy. No other statistically significant relationships were found.