School Counselor Professional Identity Scale: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA)
Dr. Christina Jurekovic, Dr. Amy Geinert, Ashley Belcourt
University of Mary: Department of Counselor Education

Purpose of Research: The purpose of this study is to conduct a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on the School Counselor Professional Identity Scale (SCPIS). We are seeking to validate the factor structure of the scale to ensure it accurately measures the construct of professional identity among school counselors. This study is needed to confirm the reliability and validity of the SCPIS subscale scores and allow for additional edits to the SCPIS to produce a final scale that would be ready for use in other research studies. 

Participant Requirements: The minimum requirement for participation in this study is training and/or experience as a school counselor. Participants may include graduate students (master’s and doctoral), practicing school counselors, counselor educators, and retired school counselors.

Procedures: The researchers have sent this survey link to various counseling networks across the nation to invite participants to join the study via this online survey platform called Qualtrics. Participants will read the informed consent and agree to the terms of the study. Participants will complete the following questionnaires: Demographic Questionnaire (10 questions) and School Counselor Professional Identity Scale (49 questions).

Incentives: Participants will have a chance to enter their email address to win one of four $25 Amazon gift cards. Email addresses will not be linked to the research questionnaire responses.

Duration of Participation: It may take participants approximately 5 minutes to read the informed consent and 10 additional minutes to complete the following questionnaires: (1) demographic questionnaire and (2) SCPIS. Withdrawal from participation can occur at any time without penalty for doing so.

Risks to Individual:
Time and Effort: Completing the survey may be seen as an inconvenience. 
Emotional Discomfort: Reflecting on professional identity may evoke mild emotional discomfort or stress for some participants, particularly if they are experiencing challenges in their professional roles. 

Benefits:
Contribution to Research: Participants will contribute to the validation of the SCPIS, which could lead to a better understanding and enhancement of professional identity among school counselors. 
Professional Insight: Completing the SCPIS may prompt participants to reflect on their own professional identity, potentially providing personal and professional insights. 
Advancement of the Field: The study's findings could inform training programs, policy development, and practice standards, ultimately benefiting the broader school counseling profession. 

Confidentiality/Use of Records:
Participants’ responses to the informed consent form and surveys will be stored securely on password protected computers for three years, and data will only be accessible by the researchers. Only the researchers will have access to view the responses in Qualtrics, guaranteeing confidentiality. The researcher will use the de-identified results to publish and present on school counselors’ professional identity.

Contact Information:
Dr. Christina Jurekovic – Graduate Counseling Department Chair
cjurekovic@umary.edu
Dr. Amy Geinert – School Counseling Internship Director
algeinert@umary.edu
Ashley Belcourt – Administrative Staff 
albelcourt@umary.edu
IRB Committee – IRB@umary.edu

Voluntary Nature of Participation:   
“I understand that by clicking the box below, I am acknowledging my voluntary participation in this research project. Such participation does not release the researcher, the University of Mary, or other agencies from their professional and ethical responsibilities to me. Potential risks from participation in this research project have been disclosed to me. I acknowledge that unforeseeable and/or unknown risks or discomforts may occur. I understand that I can withdraw my participation at any time. I have had the opportunity to read this consent form, ask questions about the research project, and am prepared to participate in this project.”