Development and Initial Validation of the Counselor Self-Discrepancy Inventory

Abstract

This study provides preliminary evidence for the Counselor Self-Discrepancy Inventory (CSDI), designed to assess the professional and personal selves of counselors and the discrepancies between them. Using a sample of 366 counselors in the United States, initial item development involved a literature review and expert review, and 22 characteristics and qualities that reliably predict the clinical success of counseling were selected for data analyses. An exploratory factor analysis identified a three-factor structure comprising 12 items. This structure included three factors related to ‘Resilient,’ ‘Responsive/Flexible,’ and ‘Client-centered,’ which represent the essential qualities of competent counselors. The concurrent and discriminant validities of this newly developed measure were supported by its correlations with the Counselor Burnout Inventory subscales, excluding the Negative Work Environment subscale. The findings of our study suggest the CSDI’s versatility in identifying counselors’ self-discrepancies and enhancing the supervision process.