Date of Conferral

12-18-2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Counselor Education and Supervision

Advisor

Corinne Bridges

Abstract

Suicide remains a public health issue, demanding proficient training of future counselors in suicide risk assessment (SRA). However, concerns persist regarding the competency of counselors-in-training (CITs) in this crucial area. This study explored the predictive relationship between theory of planned behavior (TPB) constructs and students’ perceived competency in SRA. Grounded in the TPB, the research addressed how attitudes (ATT), subjective norms (SN), and perceived behavioral control (PBC) influence intentions and subsequent behavior, using a nonexperimental survey design to collect data from students in Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP)–accredited master's counseling programs via a comprehensive questionnaire. Validated measures, including the Suicide Competency Assessment Form—Revised and the TPB Measure, were utilized. Path analysis highlighted factors affecting counseling students' intentions and behaviors regarding SRA. The sample consisted of 151 students enrolled in practicum or internship. The findings only partially support the hypothesis, with ATT predicting intentions (b estimate = 0.427, p < .001) and PBC predicting student competency (b estimate = 0.373, p < .001). Descriptive statistics indicate that 55.1% of participants reported no training in SRA. The study raises questions about what other factors influence student competency. In future studies, researchers could use a qualitative approach to uncover these factors. The social change implications of this study center around curriculum development, empowering stakeholders to identify standards for competency in SRA and understand the training practices for master’s-level counseling students.

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