Network analysis of the growth process of novice psychological counselors

Abstract

Network analysis is widely used in psychological research, yet the applicability in the counseling process of novice psychologists remains unclear. This study applies network analysis to explore lexical changes in novice psychological counselors over four consecutive sessions in order to understand the growth process of novice counselors. We analyzed verbatim transcripts of 221 novice counselors using a psychological dictionary to convert them into word frequencies. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted on personal pronouns, emotional process words, cognitive process words, and personal concern words. Network analysis was then applied to assess the structures of these word frequencies. Finally, correlation analysis was conducted between novice counselors’ and clients’ word frequencies. Across four sessions, self-related personal pronouns in novice counselors increased, while positive emotion and anxiety words decreased. Causal, discrepancy, and pause words decreased in cognitive processes, while physiological process words increased in personal concerns. Network analysis showed increasing block-style connections among words used by counselors. Correlation analysis indicated decreasing consistency in word frequencies between counselors and clients. Network analysis is effective for studying novice counselors’ processes, providing insights into lexical changes and relationships between counselors and clients.