Manifestation of altruism: Perceptions among counselling students in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Aims: The purpose of this study was to examine the applicability of a proposed model of the development of altruism, or unselfish caring for others, as perceived by counselling students in the UK. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight counsellors-in-training. The data analysis involved open coding, axial coding, and the development of a coding paradigm. Findings: The findings address the four factors (biological, cognitive, social learning, and religiosity/spirituality) proposed in the model. Additional themes included: (a) community development and sustainability, (b) altruism across the lifespan, and (c) the counselling profession. Implications: The findings suggest a relationship between altruism and counsellor success. This supports the integration of altruism within the counselling curriculum, as it relates to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Ethical Framework (2010). Furthermore, the findings support future research focused on altruism.

Keywords:

• altruism
• caring
• counselling students
• development

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jacqueline M. Swank

Jacqueline M. Swank is an assistant professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is a licensed professional counselor, licensed mental health counselor, licensed clinical social worker and a registered play therapist-supervisor. Her research interests include counsellor development, altruism, play therapy, and creativity in counselling

Mike E.H. Robinson

E.H. Mike Robinson III is a professor at the University of Central Florida and coordinates the doctoral programmes for the College of Education. He is the Heintzelman Eminent Scholar Chair for the Study of Greed and the Promotion of Altruism. He has served as the Co-Principal Investigator for Character Education research in Florida and for the Consortium for Social Responsibility and Character Education. He is the co-author of Fears, stress, and trauma: Helping children cope

Jonathan H. Ohrt

Jonathan H. Ohrt is an assistant professor at the University of North Texas. He is a certified k-12 counselor and has experience working as a school counsellor in a high school setting. His research interests include secondary school counselling, group counselling interventions, academic and career counselling needs of ‘at-risk’ groups, counsellor development and education and wellness