Value System Similarity and the Supervisory Relationship

Abstract

This study assesses the value systems held by supervisors and supervisees in the counseling practice. The relation between value system similarity and two dependent measures was examined; the level of communication within and the overall satisfaction with the relationship. Participants included 37 student supervisees and seven supervisors in a master's program. Correlation coefficients were computed to establish the relationships between the dependent measures and between value similarity measures and the dependent variables. The results did not indicate a meaningful relation between the similarity of value systems for supervisee and supervisor and either dependent measure. The results, however, did indicate a strong relationship between the supervisee's satisfaction with the supervisory relationship and the level of communication that was developed in supervision.

Current Trends in Practicum Supervision Research

“…Two studies utilizing an experimental design looked at trainee satisfaction. Lemons and Lanning (1979) found a positive relationship between level of communication and satisfaction with the relationship. Both quality and quantity seemed to be important factors.…”

“…It is interesting to note that ratings obtained from doctoral practicum assistants were significantly different than those obtained from students in 12 areas (sensitive to self-dynamics in supervision; considers professional opinion of supervisors and other counselors; sensitivity of selfdynamics in counseling; keeps appointments and completes supervisory assignments; can critique counseling tapes with minimum assistance; relaxed and comfortable in supervisory sessions; spontaneous in counseling; open to self-examination during supervision; participates actively and willingly in supervision; understanding of counseling rationale and counselor role; exploration of self and counseling relationship; and overall rating). Lemons and Lanning (1979) compared the value systems of trainees and supervisors. They administered the Rokeach Value Survey to both students and supervisors and found no significant differences.…”

Research on the Supervision of Counselors- and Teachers-in-Training: Linking Two Bodies of Literature

“…The ability of counselors to understand their clients' feelings accurately has been positively related to therapeutic progress (Smith, 1966;Truax & Clarkhuff, 1967). Similarly, Lemons and Lanning (1979) found a significant relationship between ratings that counselors-in-training assigned to their supervisors and their perceptions of their supervisors' empathic understanding.…”