Moral sensitivity of training directors in counseling education, counseling psychology, and clinical psychology training programs

The moral sensitivity of training directors of counselor education (N = 7), counseling psychology (N = 11), a combined counseling/clinical psychology (N = 1), and clinical psychology (N = 12) training programs with varying levels of experience was assessed using two audiotaped vignettes of simulated supervisor-supervisee sessions. An ethical dilemma suggesting possible harm to the counselor's client was embedded in each vignette. One vignette (the Case of Nick) contained material related to sexual dual role relationships between two students practicing counseling skills with each other. The other vignette (the Case of John) related to an incompetent student who missed potential suicidal warning signs with his client at a practicum placement. Subjects' responses to probe questions about the interaction were rated according to a five-point moral sensitivity scale. Reliability (interrater, Nick, r =.84 and John, r = 94) and validity (r = 1.0, John) evidence are presented. Because the Case of Nick failed to differentiate between subjects, the Case of John was used to measure moral sensitivity.;Moral judgment was also measured. Training directors who had taught 8 to 11 years or 12 to 15 years scored significantly higher on the Defining Issues Test P-score index of moral judgment. Subjects who graduated in the 1970s had significantly higher DIT scores than those who graduated in the 1950s.;While 97% of the subjects for the vignette containing a sexual dual role recognized the dilemma and advocated action, 36% did not perceive an ethical dilemma in the counselor competency vignette. It is suggested that moral sensitivity is situation specific and not a unitary construct. It is proposed that training for training directors is needed to sensitize directors to less visible ethical issues which occur in the training of counselors and psychologists.;Training directors who graduated during the 1960s and 1970s were found to have significantly higher moral sensitivity scores than those who graduated during the 1950s. A positive, significant correlation was found between having "taught courses that included the topic of ethics" and moral sensitivity. Training directors of counselor education programs had significantly higher moral sensitivity scores than training directors of counseling and clinical psychology programs.