Development of Cognitive Complexity of Counseling Students

Although researchers have indicated that counselors clinical experience positively predicts increased cognitive complexity, most research on the topic has not addressed how counselors own experiences shape their cognitive complexity. Completed research on counselors' cognitive complexity has been primarily quantitative, included European American participants, and has not considered the multicultural context heyond Western. countries. Utilizing an explanatory case study design, this research employs the Counselors Cognition Questhoumaire (CCQ) to explore counseling students' cognitive complexity development, in-depth interviews to examine the educational experience and culture that shape their cognitive complexity, and document analysis to examine the supporting of existing regulations. Ten participants completed CCQ, and eight of them participated in interviews. Results showed that seven participants scored low, while the rest scored higher cognitive complexity. Participants perceived that laboratory practicum in counseling courses had helped them develop their cognitive skills However, a series of courses and participants' social life are inseparable from their cognitive development. In acklition, the existing regulahons showed their support through the curriculun design. These findings revealed that the participants' cognitive complexity is influenced by personal, social, professional. and cultural factors.