Predicting the Altruism of Counsellor Candidates in Terms of Cultural Sensitivity, Social Desirability and Emotional İntelligence

ABSTRACT Introduction Altruism, which is the subject of this research, generally means helping someone else without expecting anything in return. Counsellors assist other people as part of their jobs. This study examined the altruism of counsellor candidates in the context of cultural sensitivity, social desirability and emotional intelligence. Method The research included a total of 542 undergraduate students, 416 women and 126 men, studying in the Guidance and Psychological Counselling Department at foundation and state universities in Istanbul. The data for the study were collected with the Altruism Scale, Intercultural Sensitivity Scale, Good Impression Scale and Emotional Intelligence Trait Scale‐Short Form. Multiple linear regression analysis, hierarchical regression analysis and structural equation modelling mediation analysis were used to analyse the data. Results The research concluded that the variables of cultural sensitivity, social desirability and emotional intelligence predicted the altruism of counsellor candidates. It was understood that the variance in altruism was explained most by cultural sensitivity, followed by social desirability and least by emotional intelligence. Psychological and social factors, particularly cultural sensitivity and social desirability, were found to be more effective than demographic variables in explaining altruism. Additionally, the SEM analysis indicated that cultural sensitivity mediated the relationship between emotional intelligence and altruism, while social desirability had a strong direct effect on altruism. Conclusion In line with the results of research, it is recommended to increase the number and amount of content of courses in which students will have more comprehensive knowledge about cultural infrastructure related to their awareness, empathy levels, realistic perspectives and interactions with different individuals. It is suggested that social responsibility projects, club activities and Erasmus opportunities that will support the aims mentioned, in addition to course achievements, are supported by both lecturers and the university administration.