Investigation of Empathy Levels of the Psychological Counselors Who Work In the Elementary Schools

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the empathic ability and empathic tendency levels of
counselors who work in elementary schools according to various socio-demographic variables. Participants were 71
elementary school counselors work in Izmir, Turkey. Data were analyzed using statistical techniques. Results showed
that there is no statistically significant difference on the empathic skill levels according to age, time of working,
engagement status and having children whereas having children has significant effect on participants’ empathic
tendency. Significant results were given related to gender and the personal perception on self efficacy. Implications for
counseling and guidance process at the elementary level were discussed.