Perceptions of Poverty: Exploring Counseling Students’ Reactions to Presenting Concerns

Authors

Sarah K. Tucker, University of North TexasFollow
Michael K. Schmit, Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction StudiesFollow
Amanda L. Giordano Dr., University of GeorgiaFollow

Document Type

Article

Keywords

counselor training, poverty, multiculturalism, competence, clinical preference

Subject Area

Clinical Supervision, Counseling, Counselor Education

Abstract

Understanding counseling students’ preferences, competence, and perceived training related to presenting concerns is important information for counselor training programs. Given the association between poverty and mental health concerns, we compared counseling students’ reactions to presenting concerns often linked to poverty (e.g., financial concerns/assistance) to their reactions toward other clinical issues (e.g., gender identity development). Students’ provided ratings of clinical preference for working with various presenting concerns, and concerns that may be prevalent among clients living in poverty ranked last. Additionally, we utilized a repeated measure design to examine differences in students’ perceived competence and perceived training across four case vignettes depicting various presenting concerns. Our findings revealed that counseling students felt most competent and most trained to address self-growth issues as compared to poverty, substance use, or Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

Recommended Citation

Tucker, S. K., Schmit, M. K., & Giordano, A. L. (2021). Perceptions of Poverty: Exploring Counseling Students’ Reactions to Presenting Concerns. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 14(4). Retrieved from https://research.library.kutztown.edu/jcps/vol14/iss4/1