Guidance counselors' knowledge, confidence, and training needs in handling self-injurious behavior (SIB): Basis for developing a school protocol

Abstract

This quantitative research ascertained the knowledge, confidence, and training needs in handling self-injurious behavior (SIB) among guidance counselors from state universities and colleges in Panay in 2021. Forty-three (43) respondents were purposely selected for the online survey. Quantitative data were gathered using the three duly validated researcher-made survey questionnaires on knowledge, confidence, and training needs in handling SIB among guidance counselors. The descriptive statistics used were frequency count, percentage, rank, mean, and standard deviation, while sample t-test and Pearson's r, set at .05 alpha were used forthe inferential statistics. Results showed that as an entire group, the guidance counselorswere extremely knowledgeable and extremely confident in handling SIB. Their priority training needs were appraising external referred experts and contact information to issue referrals and managing student SIB.Their least priority training needs were designating individuals to serve as the point-personfor managing individuals with SIB and the next steps and identifying SIB.Significant relationship existed between knowledgeand confidence in handling SIB among respondents. No significant relationship existed between the knowledge and training needs in handling SIB, likewise in the confidence and training needs in handling SIB. Finally, the respondents indicated that they extremely need training in handling self-injurious behavior (SIB) and a protocol to guide them. Based on these results, a school protocolin handling cases of SIB, duly validated by a pool of experts in psychology and guidance, was developed to guide the guidance counselors in handling self-injurious behavior (SIB) clients.