Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Counseling Self-Efficacy of International Counseling Students in the U.S.: the Impact of Foreign Language Anxiety and Acculturation

  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE
  • Published:
International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This study examined the influence of international counseling students’ (ICSs) acculturation and foreign language anxiety on their counseling self-efficacy (CSE). Results indicated that foreign language anxiety significantly predicted ICSs’ CSE, while acculturation needs further examination in this regard. Discussion and implications for counselor training and research are provided.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Berry, J. W. (1994). Acculturation and psychological adaptation: An over- view. In A. Bouvy, F. J. R. Van de Vijver, P. Boski, & P. Schmitz (Eds.), Journeys into cross-cultural psychology (pp. 129–141). Berwyn: Swets & Zeitlinger.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen, C. P. (1999). Professional issues: Common stressors among international college students: Research and counseling implications. Journal of College Counseling, 2(1), 49–65. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2161-1882.1999.tb00142.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chung, Y. B. (2013). Presidential address: Immigrant counseling psychologists. The Counseling Psychologist, 41(1), 152–169. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011000012463085

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Clawson, T. W., Henderson, D. A., Schweiger, W. K., & Collins, D. R. (2004). Counselor preparation: Programs, faculty, trends (11th ed.). New York: Brunner-Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fitts, W. H. (1965). Manual: Tennessee self concept scale. Nashville: Counselor Records and Tests.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fitts, W. H. (1988). Manual: Tennessee self concept scale. (rev.ed.). Nashville: Counselor records and tests.

  • Gardner, R. C., Day, J. B., & MacIntyre, P. D. (1993). Integrative motivation, induced anxiety, and language learning in a controlled environment. Journal of Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 14, 197–214. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0272263100010822

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goreczny, A. J., Hamilton, D., Lubinski, L., & Pasquinelli, M. (2015). Exploration of counselor self-efficacy across academic training. The Clinical Supervisor, 34(1), 78–97. https://doi.org/10.1080/07325223.2015.1012916

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haley, M., Combs, D. C. (2010). Creating a culturally sensitive classroom for second language learners in counselor education programs. In Ideas and research you can use: VISTAS 2010. Retrieved from http://www.counseling.org/resources/library/vistas/2010-v-online/article_26.pdf.

  • Haley, M., Marin, M. R., & Gelgant, J. C. (2015). Language anxiety and counseling self-efficacy. Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, 43, 162–172. https://doi.org/10.1002/jmcd.12012

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hasan, N. T., Fouad, N. A., & Williams-Nickelson, C. (Eds.). (2008). Studying psychology in the United States: Expert guidance for international students. Washington: American Psychological Association.

    Google Scholar 

  • Horwitz, E. K., Horwitz, M. B., & Cope, J. (1986). Foreign language classroom anxiety. The Modern Language Journal, 70, 125–132. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4781.1986.tb05256.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Işik, E. (2012). The relationship of career decision self-efficacy, trait anxiety, and affectivity among undergraduate students. Psychological Reports, 111(3), 805–813.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jones, J. F. (2004). A cultural context for language anxiety. English Australia Journal, 21, 30–39.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kim, B. S. K., & Abreu, J. M. (2001). Acculturation measurement: Theory, current instruments, and future directions. In L. A. Suzuki, J. M. Casas, C. M. Alexander, & J. C. Ponterotto (Eds.), Handbook of multicultural counseling (2nd ed., pp. 394–424). Thousand Oaks: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kim, B. S. K., Atkinson, D. R., & Umemoto, D. (2001). Asian cultural values and the counseling process: Current knowledge and directions for future research. The Counseling Psychologist, 29, 570–603. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011000001294006

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kozina, K., Grabovari, N., Stefano, J. D., & Drapeau, M. (2010). Measuring changes in counselor self-efficacy: Further validation and implications for training and supervision. The Clinical Supervisor, 29, 117–127. https://doi.org/10.1080/07325223.2010.517483

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lacina, J. G. (2002). Preparing international students for a successful social experience in higher education. New Directions for Higher Education, (117), 21–28.

  • Larson, L. M., & Daniels, J. A. (1998). A review of the counselor self-efficacy literature. The Counseling Psychology, 26, 179–218.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Larson, L. M., Suzuki, L. A., Gillespie, K. N., Potenza, M. T., Bechtel, M. A., & Toulouse, A. L. (1992). Development and validation of the counseling self-estimate inventory. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 39, 105–120. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0167.39.1.105

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lau, J., & Ng, K. M. (2012). Effectiveness and relevance of training for international counseling graduates: A qualitative inquiry. International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling, 34(1), 87–105. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10447-011-9128-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lough, B. J. (2009). Curricular blueprinting: The relevance of American social work education for international students. Social Work Education, 28(7), 792–802. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615470802478212

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • MacIntyre, P. D., & Gardner, R. C. (1994). The subtle effects of language anxiety on cognitive processing in the second language. Language Learning, 44, 283–305. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-1770.1994.tb01103.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mehr, K. E., Ladany, N., & Caskie, G. I. (2015). Factors influencing trainee willingness to disclose in supervision. Training and Education in Professional Psychology, 9(1), 44. https://doi.org/10.1037/tep0000028

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miller, M. J. (2010). Testing a bilinear domain-specific model of acculturation and enculturation across generational status. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 57(2), 179. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0019089

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Moran, P. R., & Lu, Z. (2001). Teaching culture: Perspectives in practice. Boston: Heinle & Heinle.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morris, J., & Lee, Y. T. (2004). Issues of language and culture in family therapy training. Contemporary Family Therapy, 26(3), 307–318.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ng, K. M., & Smith, S. D. (2009). Perception and experiences of international trainees in counseling and related programs. International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling, 31, 57–70. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10447-008-9068-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ng, K., & Smith, S. D. (2012). Training level, acculturation, role ambiguity and multicultural discussions in training and supervising international counseling students in the United States. International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling, 34, 72–86. https://doi.org/10.1007/s104470119130-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nilsson, J. E., & Anderson, M. Z. (2004). Supervising international students: The role of acculturation, role ambiguity, and multicultural discussions. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 35(3), 306–312. https://doi.org/10.1037/0735-7028.35.3.306

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ryder, A. G., Alden, L., & Paulhus, D. L. (2000). Is acculturation unidimensional or bidimensional? A head-to-head comparison in the prediction of demographics, personality, self-identity, and adjustment. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 79, 49–65. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.79.1.49

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sangganjanavanich, V. F., & Black, L. L. (2009). Clinical supervision for international counselor-in-training: Implications for supervisors. Journal of Professional Counseling: Practice, Theory & Research, 37, 52–65.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sarason, I. G. (1978). The test anxiety scale: Concept and research. In C. D. Spielberger & I. G. Sarason (Eds.), Stress and anxiety (Vol. 5, pp. 193–216). Washington: Hemisphere.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith, R. A., & Khawaja, N. G. (2011). A review of the acculturation experiences of international students. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 35(6), 699–713. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijintrel.2011.08.004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sodowsky, G. R, & Plake, B. S. (1991). Psychometric properties of the American-International Relations Scale. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 51, 207–216.

  • Tallon, M. (2009). Foreign language anxiety and heritage students of Spanish: A quantitative study. Foreign Language Annals, 42, 112–137. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1944-9720.2009.01011.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • The Pennsylvania State University. (n.d.). 12.4-detecting multicollinearity using variance inflation factors. Retrieved July 15, 2017, from https://onlinecourses.science.psu.edu/stat501/node/347.

  • Wang, C. C. D., & Mallinckrodt, B. (2006). Acculturation, attachment, and psychosocial adjustment of Chinese/Taiwanese international students. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 53(4), 422.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yoon, E., Langrehr, K., & Ong, L. Z. (2011). Content analysis of acculturation research in counseling and counseling psychology: A 22-year review. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 58(1), 83–96. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0021128

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yoon, E., Chang, C., Kim, S., Clawson, A., Cleary, S. E., Hansen, M., … Gomes, A. M. (2013). A meta-analysis of acculturation/enculturation and mental health. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 60(1), 15–30. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0030652.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Counseling and Human Services, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, 23529, USA

    Chi Li

  2. Department of Educational Studies in Psychology, Research Methodology and Counseling, The University of Alabama, Box 870231, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487, USA

    Junfei Lu

  3. Department of Counseling and Counseling Psychology, Arizona State University, Mailbox 0811, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA

    Bianca Bernstein

  4. Department of Leadership Studies, The University of Central Arkansas, Mashburn 219, Conway, AR, 72035, USA

    Na Mi Bang

Authors
  1. Chi Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Junfei Lu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Bianca Bernstein
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Na Mi Bang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Chi Li.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Li, C., Lu, J., Bernstein, B. et al. Counseling Self-Efficacy of International Counseling Students in the U.S.: the Impact of Foreign Language Anxiety and Acculturation. Int J Adv Counselling 40, 267–278 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10447-018-9325-3

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10447-018-9325-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation