KSAO based Competency Model for an Effective Practice of Tele-Counseling in Pakistan

Abstract

The Coronavirus Disease brought forth many novel experiences for the world. Everyone experienced lock downs, physical distancing, social isolation, and a lot more. During this time of great distress, psychologists worldwide, played a very significant role by readily offering their services online. However, this sudden and abrupt shift from in-person practice to tele-practice required psychologists to understand and acquire Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics (KSAO) based competencies for effective job performance using telecommunication technologies. A mixed method research design was used. The study was divided into two interlinked qualitative and quantitative phases. In Phase I, a deductive thematic approach was used with pre-determined theory-based major themes, namely, “Knowledge about tele-counseling, Tele-counseling skills, Abilities, and Other characteristics”. Data was collected from N=9 (M=4, F=5) practicing psychologists, mean age (M= 29; SD=3.13) years based on criterion sampling strategy. Semi-structured interviews over Google Meet were conducted to gather data on relevant themes. In phase 2, based on the findings of phase 1 and literature, a researcher-generated 42-item survey questionnaire focusing on four major domains of KSAO competency model for Tele-counseling. This 5-point Likert rating questionnaire was disseminated online via university based educational groups and through personal contacts to students in training and early career professionals. Using convenient sampling strategy, data was collected from N=200 participants (M=37, F=163), mean age (M=26.13; SD=3.49). Descriptive analyses were run. Participant’s agreement on each item in terms of percentiles were established to understand the significance of factors within the domain of KSAO framework. Results of the study showed which knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics were relevant and significant in developing competency for effective practice-based delivery of Tele-counseling. This study formulates groundwork for subsequent establishment of professional standards of tele-counseling practice in Pakistan, as well as, for competency in tele-counseling practice, job recruitments, trainings, and career development.