A Review of Research on Counselor Development in Korea (2006~2015)

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate recent research trends on counselor development in Korea in order to expand more recent knowledge on this topic. Methods/Statistical Analysis: For this purpose, 34 domestic articles about counselor development, registered (or nominated to be) in the National Research Foundation of Korea between 2006 and 2015, were examined. Using content analysis, these studies were analyzed according to subjects of research, research themes, and the methodologies used. Findings: A majority of research subject in the field of counselor development studies were professional counselors. There were few studies which involved undergraduate students of counseling major, counseling clients along with professional counselors, or other participants. Research subjects were mostly females. The age range of the subjects was from 20’s to 60’s. Most frequently studied research theme was differences found in counselors according to their development level. Many studies also tapped into the developmental processes of counselors. With regard to methodologies, both quantitative and qualitative methodologies were used frequently. Only few studies used mixed method. The present study identified several changes in counselor development research. First, expansion of research focus on diverse counselor related factors were found. Active endeavors on in-depth explorations about counselor’s developmental processes and counselor’s subjective experiences were indicated as well. The counselor’s personal domains have come to receive increased attention recently. The present study has implications in providing recent knowledge and changes in counselor development research. Application/Improvements: The findings of the study can provide guidance in future research endeavor in the field of counselor development such as identification of more factors in counselor development and use of various measurement to secure validity.