title: Professional confidence and job satisfaction: an examination of counselors' perceptions in faith-based and non-faith-based drug treatment programs.
abstract: Understanding substance abuse counselors' professional confidence and job satisfaction is important since such confidence and satisfaction can affect the way counselors go about their jobs. Analyzing data derived from a random sample of 110 counselors from faith-based and non-faith-based treatment programs, this study examines counselors' professional confidence and job satisfaction in both faith-based and non-faith-based programs. The multivariate analyses indicate years of experience and being a certified counselor were the only significant predictors of professional confidence. There was no significant difference in perceived job satisfaction and confidence between counselors in faith-based and non-faith-based programs. A majority of counselors in both groups expressed a high level of satisfaction with their job. Job experience in drug counseling and prior experience as an abuser were perceived by counselors as important components to facilitate counseling skills. Policy implications are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, USA dchu@astate.edu.
authors.forename: Doris C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Chu
authors.affiliation: John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Hung-En
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Sung
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010327:Pastoral Care; D010379:Peer Group; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D035621:Secularism; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*
keywords: faith-based treatment program; job satisfaction; professional confidence; secular treatment program; substance abuse treatment; substance treatment counselor