Influence of Presenting Problems in Choice of Counsellor Gender

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of presenting problems inchoice of counsellor gender among university students in Kenya. Due to changes in traditional social set up, individuals have been alienated from their extended family and community that provided the necessary support system, thus an increase in the number of people, both males and females seekingprofessional therapy. University students who are largely young adults experience emotional and psychological challenges that require counselling. The objectives of this study were: to determine the issues that are taken to men/women counsellors by either gender and investigate their influence on the choice of the gender of the counsellor. The study is guided by PersonCentered and Social Learning Theories. The study applied descriptive survey research design using quantitative and qualitative data. Stratified, simple random and purposive sampling methods were used to sample three universities, 310 students and seven student counsellors. Data was collected using questionnaires, in-depth interview schedules and Focus Group Discussions Guide. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and is presented in Tables, Pie charts and Bar graphs. For qualitative data, emerging patterns of the content analysis is presented thematically according to research objectives. The study reveals that students are faced with many counselling issues such as academic, psychological, social, personal, economic, health, physical, vocational and spiritual. The study findings reveals that 54% of students prefer female counsellors as compared to 27% that prefer male counsellors Issues that students discuss with university male counsellors include academic, family, personal, peer relationships, economic and physical problems. Issues that male and female students discuss with university female counsellors are psychological, social, spiritual, and education/academic challenges. Female students would not seek help from male counsellors for feminine issues like menstruation. Likewise male students will not seek help from female counsellors for masculine issues for example erectile dysfunction. This study concludes that presenting problems influence choice of counsellor gender. The study recommends that, Intake counsellors should be gender sensitive and allocate the preferred gender according to presenting problems.