Unpacking beliefs about change and personal theories of change in counselors-in-training writing

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Saturday 9:45 am
  In Poster Session: Counseling Poster Session B

Abstract

This mixed-methods study explored beliefs about change held by counselors-in-training and how these beliefs evolve during a graduate-level counseling-theory course. We investigated the relationships among CITs’ beliefs about change, fixed/growth mindsets, metacognitive-awareness, and counseling self-efficacy. Participants (N=32) completed a survey-battery and wrote personal theories-of-change at the beginning and end of semester. Quantitative results revealed a negative correlation between Ability-Fixed Mindset and beliefs about health-related changes. First-generation students reported lower self-perceptions of behavioral-change. Qualitative analysis of written theories showed a shift from intuitive, anecdotal reasoning to more professional, evidence-based frameworks. Thematic-analysis indicated decreased "fixed trait" beliefs and increase in growth-oriented language and theory citations. These findings suggest that structured academic experiences can meaningfully shape professional identity and beliefs about human change.

Authors

• Beata M. Latawiec, Wichita State University

• Jody Fiorini, Wichita State University

• Jason Li, Wichita State University

• Susan Bray, Wichita State University