Review of the Counseling Self-Efficacy Literature

Abstract

This article provides an integrative review of the counseling self-efficacy (CSE) literature conducted from 1983 to the present. First, the content, structure, and psychometric properties of the four most common constructs across the 32 studies are reviewed. Second, the findings from the literature are integrated into the larger theory by relating CSE to the major components of social cognitive theory, namely, counselor characteristics, personal agency, counselor performance, and the supervision/counseling/work environment. Third, the intervention studies that have been targeted at increasing either CSE estimations or counselor performance are presented. Fourth, studies that have examined and identified significant predictors of CSE are discussed. Fifth, the practical implications for supervisors are discussed. Finally, conclusions and recommendations for future research are presented.