Development of the Professional Identity Scale for Korean Counselors

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate the Professional Identity Scale for Korean Counselors. First, a literature review and open-question survey were conducted. Next, 5-factors and 37-items were chosen using content validation by 12 counseling experts. An exploratory factor analysis was then conducted with a sample of 253 counselors. This resulted in a 3-factor, 20-item solution. Contemporary factor analysis using a separate sample of 311 counselors, which reconfirmed this model. The three factors were labeled as: Knowledge and Skill; Role and Attitude; and Value and Belief. Discriminant, convergent and criterion-related validities were examined via correlations with the Professional Identity Scale, Counselor Developmental Scale, Counselor Self-efficacy Scale and Counselor Burn-out Scale. Based on the findings of this study, implications, limitations and directions for future research are presented.