Counsellor role perceptions and preferences of Zimbabwe teachers of a Shona cultural background

Thurstone‘s Case V paired comparisons procedure was used to investigate the perceived role status and preferences of counsellor for a sample of Zimbabwe teachers of a Shona cultural background (n =312) in relation to type of presenting problem (personal; educational; employment) and as the teachers varied by gender, age, level of formal education and marital status. Counsellor expertise contrasted those of a modern status (psychologist; church pastor; work supervisor) and a traditional status (family members; traditional healer; friend). The teachers seemed to have an undifferentiated perception of counselling needs as measured by preferences for helper. Age and level of formal education were significantly related to counsellor preference, with the older and less schooled teachers tending to endorse counsellors of a traditional status. The results are considered with respect to the provision as well as public image of counselling services in an African culture.