Factors that may influence master's level counselor trainee's ability to discern elements of an ethical dilemma

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study:

This study investigated the relationship among abstract reasoning ability, the personality factors of neuroticism, openness, conscientiousness, completion of an ethics class and a practicum class, on master's level counseling students' ability to discern elements of an ethical dilemma. Data were collected from two midwestern universities (N = 123) and included a questionnaire, the Culture Fair Intelligence Test, the Neuroticism Extraversion Openness-Personality Inventory-Revised, and the Ethical Discrimination Inventory.

Findings and Conclusions:

Abstract reasoning ability, neuroticism, openness, conscientiousness, completion of an ethics class and completion of practica were not found to be significantly related to the ability to discern elements of an ethical dilemma. However, significant relationships were found between ability to discern elements of an ethical dilemma and the educational institution of the participants and the specific counseling options in which they were enrolled. These results and their implications as well as the limitations of the study are discussed. Suggestions are made for future research on variables that might be important in teaching ethics to counselor-trainees.