At the present time, I'm not aware of any research comparing the
constructs or construct systems used by counselors with those used by
non-counselors. I would be most appreciative of any references concerning
this topic. There are a lot of questions that I have which might be worth
exploring:
1) How do the construct systems of counselors change through training
and experience? Does the construct system become more differentiated? More
integrated? 2) Are there constructs that have shared meaning among
counselors that are not a part of the construct systems of non-counselors? 3)
Do counselors use the same constructs in construing clients and
acquaintances? (Stephen Soldz has done some exploration on this topic, but
there are a lot of unanswered questions.) 4) Are particular constructs
associated with particular types of clients? 5) Are there different
constructs associated with different theoretical orientations? If so, how are
these constructs linked to more superordinate constructs shared by counselors
regardless of theoretical orientation? 6) Do counselors view clients as more
or less different from themselves as they gain experience ? 7) Are there
particular constructs associated with liked and disliked clients ,
successful and unsuccessful clients, or difficult vs. easy clients? Does
the association of constructs with liked and disliked clients etc. change
as the counselor gains experience?
I'm also interested in the research related to the interpersonal circle,
the big five factors, and Goldberg's attempt create a taxonomy of trait
discriptors.
I am a faithful reader of the Journal of Constructivist Psychology,
though I can't say that I understand all of what I read. Maybe being on
this list will help. :-)
Caroline
Cook
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