SELF-PERCEPTIONS ABOUT PROPERTIES AFFECTING ASSERTIVENESS OF TRAINEE COUNSELORS.

The aim in this research was to determine the assertiveness levels of counselor trainees in relation to their personal perceptions about their personality characteristics and sociodemographic properties in order to achieve good mental health among those working as counselors and to provide suggestions for counselor education. The data were gathered using the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule (Rathus, 1973) as validated by Voltan (1980) with a questionnaire developed by the researcher. Participants were 233 trainee counselors from universities in Izmir, Turkey. Findings indicated that identifying negative feelings and thoughts, talkativeness in front of an audience, giving accurate feedback, using I-language, and having a positive self-image are statistically effective in assessment of counselor trainees' assertiveness levels. There were no differences according to gender or socioeconomic status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]