Emotion-Focused Communication Training on the Assertiveness Levels of Counselor Candidates: A Mixed Design Study
Volume 5 Issue 3(October 2023)
Bahar Mete Otlu
Pages: 291-303 Download Count : 156 View Count: 254 DOI Number 10.55236/tuara.1351888 Facebook Twitter Share on Google+
Abstract:
In this study, the effect of Emotion-Focused Communication Training (EFCT) developed by the researcher was examined on the assertiveness levels of counselor candidates. The study has a mixed design because it includes both quantitative and qualitative dimensions. In the quantitative dimension of the study, a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group was used. The experimental group of the study consisted of 12 (7 female, 5 male) counselor candidates studying at Dokuz Eylül University, Buca Faculty of Education, Psychological Counseling and Guidance undergraduate program; the control group consisted of 12 (8 female, 4 male) counselor candidates studying in the same department and not included in the experimental group. The Voltan Acar Assertiveness Scale was used to measure the assertiveness levels of counselor candidates. In addition, a semi-structured interview form prepared by the researcher was used to identify views of the counselor candidates on the training. The quantitative data of the study were analyzed using the SPSS program. The Shapiro–Wilks test was applied to determine whether the data had a normal distribution, and the t-test was used in intergroup comparisons after it was understood that the data were suitable for parametric test conditions. The qualitative data of the study were analyzed using the content analysis technique. Because of the study, it was found that EFCT led to a significant increase in the levels of assertiveness of counselor candidates. In the study, the counselor candidates’ opinions about the effects of the EFCT were that the training contributed positively to their communication skills, awareness of communication, and assertiveness levels
Keywords
- Assertiveness
- communication skills
- psychoeducational groups
- counselor candidates