The Development of a Self-Efficacy Measurement Tool For Counseling in Speech-Language Pathology

Purpose This study aimed to develop and administer an adapted survey tool to measure counseling skills in graduate students and early-career speech-language pathologists, focusing on the concept of counselor self-efficacy. Method An online survey, adapted from the Counselor Activity Self-Efficacy Scales ( Lent, Hill, & Hoffman, 2003 ), was administered. Two hundred ninety-four surveys were completed. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted, along with measures of reliability and validity, in order to determine the psychometric properties of the tool. Results Factor analysis supported a 5-factor solution, with subscales reflecting Emotional Support Skills, Session Management Skills, and Helping Skills in 3 domains: Exploration, Insight, and Action. Strong internal consistency was found for each subscale and for the total scale scores. Significant intercorrelations between subscale scores were expected and confirmed. Construct validity was examined with reference to American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and Council for Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology practice guidelines and clinical competencies. Preliminary comparative data were analyzed to demonstrate utility of the tool in measuring effects of experience on self-efficacy ratings. Conclusion The adapted Counselor Activity Self-Efficacy Scales for speech-language pathologists is psychometrically sound; factor analysis, reliability, and validity were in line with reported values for the original survey tool. Potential uses for the survey tool within the field of speech-language pathology are discussed, along with implications for graduate education and clinical supervision related to counseling skills.