Date
8-9-2024
Department
School of Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)
Chair
Tracy Baker
Keywords
male, school, counselors, experiences, elementary
Disciplines
Counseling
Recommended Citation
Chavis, Angel Marie, "The Experiences and Perspectives of Male Elementary School Counselors: A Phenomenological Study" (2024). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 5834.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/5834
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to understand and describe the experiences and perspectives of male school counselors at the elementary level. School counseling in elementary schools can help provide students with valuable resources and support. At this level, children undergo many physical and emotional developmental changes. Support systems at the elementary level can encourage and promote students' social and emotional well- being. The lack of male school counselors who can support students without a male presence in their life is an important issue. Male elementary school counselors make up a very small percentage of the total counselor population. This study identified expectations, benefits, challenges, stigmas, barriers, and recruitment and retention needs through information gained from the lived experiences of existing male elementary school counselors. Future steps and recommendations from this phenomenological study have been included to help increase the number of male school counselors working at the elementary level. The framework that guided this study was Gottfredson's theory of circumscription and compromise, it explained the impact between modeling and self-concept formation of occupational perspectives or aspirations gained during this developmental stage. Additionally, Bandura's self-efficacy theory in relation to careers also help guide this study. The theory demonstrates the importance that modeling can have on an observer's personal self-efficacy, interests, and confidence in their ability to choose or perform a particular occupation. Data was be collected and transcribed using Otter.ai. Interpretations of the data from participants was used to generate several themes, which were analyzed and used to assist in understanding the role of male elementary counselors.
