Factors Relating to Professional Development in Beginning Graduate Students in Counseling Psychology

Abstract

Beginning graduate students in programs in counseling psychology approved by the American Psychological Association were surveyed to determine salient demographic characteristics, motivational factors influencing their decisions to enter graduate training in counseling psychology, their perceptions of the appropriate roles and functions of professionals in the field, and their goals and expectations regarding their future employment settings. Median or modal demographic data suggest that the "typical" beginning doctoral student in counseling psychology is a 25- to 35-year-old white female who has done previous graduate work and who has had prior mental-health-related work experience. Reasons for entering graduate school in counseling psychology were found to vary as a function of age. Although students 'perceptions of the field were found to be similar to those of seasoned professionals, they did vary somewhat depending on the students' professional goals. A very strong preference was expressed for private practice as a career goal.