Influence of Counsellor’s Professionalism Power on Counselling Outcomes of Learners with Behavioural Problems in Public Primary Schools in Embu County Kenya
- July 2, 2019
- Posted by: RSIS
- Category: Social Science
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue VI, June 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186
Dr. Wanjiru Jane J. Mugai, Prof. Veronica K. Nyaga, Dr. Beatrice M. Mburugu
Chuka University- Box 109, Chuka, Kenya
Abstract:-Despite the massive influence of counsellor’s professionalism power on counselling and outcomes, professional training of counsellors generally disregards the question of power, except as it is mentioned in ethics and counselling classes under the mandate those counsellors. Counsellors should not abuse their hypothetically superior power over their clients. Counselling outcomes are changes or impact or end results in a client’s life. These outcomes may be positive or negative. The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of counsellor’s professionalism power on counselling outcomes of learners with behavioural problems in inclusive primary schools, Embu County. This study adopted a mixed methods, concurrent triangulation design and correlational research. Purposive sampling and a census method were adopted. The study population comprised of; 34 counsellors, 34 special teachers and 52 learners making a total of 120 respondents. Research instruments applied were questionnaires and focus group discussion. Validity was ensured through expert judgment. Cronbach’s alpha test was used to test reliability. Research hypotheses were tested by use of one way ANOVA. Descriptive and inferential statistics analyzed quantitative data. Regression analysis showed the nature and strength of the relationships between the variables while in qualitative data thematic analysis was applied. Data was analyzed by use of (SPSS) version 23 and were presented using tables, graphs and charts. Findings were that professional power had a negative influence on counselling outcome with a coefficient of -0.080, which means that an increase in professional power by one unit, would lead to a decrease in counselling outcome by 0.080 units. Counsellor’s professionalism power if well applied has a critical role to play in supporting the management of behaviour problems in learners so as to avoid school exclusion which has negative implications. Recommendations: Counsellors attend seminars to learn how to integrate their personal professionalism powers with cultural powers. Conduct another study in another county to compare the results. Counsellors learn how to empower their clients to connect the idea that their emotional power drives help in management of their emotional power. Counsellors to be belong to a given officially registered body of counsellors and also must be renewing their licensure every given set time as per the government policy as professionals.
Key Words: Counsellor’s power; professionalism Power; Counselling Outcomes; Behaviour Problems; Inclusive schools.
