ERICA A. MERRILL, M.Ed, LPC, NCC. Wellness Among Counselors in Training:Examining the Relationship between Trait Emotional Intelligence, Perceptions of Stress,Perceptions of Wellness, and Wellness Behaviors.(Under the direction of DR. DANIEL GUITIERREZ and DR. HENRY HARRIS)Despite intention that the counseling profession be theoretically grounded aswellness oriented and preventative in nature, researchers propose that counselors are notcompetently equipped to address the connection between the biological, psychologicaland social factors which are part of the prevention healthcare paradigm. Althoughwellness has been acknowledged as a necessary ingredient for counselors to preventimpairment, little is offered on how disposition and appraisal of wellness and stress,influence CIT behaviors. Previous research has shown the necessity for wellness,emotional intelligence, and the importance of counselor perceptions, all of whichinfluence effective counseling by allowing the counselor to connect with the client,perceive and manage emotions and guard against burnout.The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between trait emotionalintelligence, perceptions of stress, and perceptions of wellness relate to wellnessbehaviors among counselors-in-training enrolled in CACREP programs. The majority ofstudies have examined traits that contribute to burnout among counselors and students.However, this study embraced a wellness orientation to examine traits and dispositionsthat are preventative in nature. In addition, this study examined the differences between avariety of education experiences, such as number of credits taken in the program,completion of practicum experience, and other traits that have been linked with counselordevelopment.The researcher collected data from a total of 276 CIT’s, either through the paperor electronic survey. The survey included a general demographic questionnaire theEmotional Intelligence Questionnaire- Short Form (TEIQue-SF), the Perceived WellnessScale (PWS), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Body- Mind- Spirit, WellnessBehavior and Characteristic Inventory (BMS-WBCI). Structural equation modeling(SEM) was used to apply multiple regressions and analyze the theoretical relationshipbetween trait-emotional intelligence, perceptions of stress, perceptions of wellness, andwellness behaviors of CIT’s. After following the two-step procedure for an SEM, resultsindicated that the use of a Path Analysis would be a better fit for examining the subconstructs of wellness: mind, body, and spirit. The SEM results indicated that whileperceptions of stress and wellness are not mediators between EI and well being, the PAindicated that there is still a direct and significant effect between EI and the componentsof well being, specifically, mind and spirit. The findings of the study emphasized the needfor further research regarding the effects of EI on wellness, specifically the decrease inbodily wellness for CIT’s. The findings also suggested that future research may considerthe moderating effects of EI on wellness and stress for CIT’s. Trait EmotionalIntelligence appears to continue to play a pivotal role in the development of Counselors-in-Training, specifically in how they engage in mental and spiritual wellness behaviors.Implications of the findings from the study include (a) the inclusion of additionalinstruction for understanding wellness and developing a personal wellness plan for CIT’s,and (b) the integration of emotional intelligence skills through training and supervisionexperiences for CIT’s.
