Multicenter dataset describing emotional intelligence and counseling self-efficacy among clinical pastoral education students in healthcare settings

Abstract

Emotional intelligence (EI) and counseling self-efficacy (CSE) are widely regarded as core professional competencies for healthcare chaplains. However, evidence on whether Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) effectively develops these capacities remains limited. The parent study generating this dataset was designed to address this gap by examining pre- to post-training changes in EI and CSE, describing their baseline distributions, and investigating the influence of demographic and educational factors on both constructs. This dataset contains baseline data collected from 274 CPE students and pre-post longitudinal survey data from 196 CPE students (interns and residents) at 29 ACPE-accredited centers across the United States between 2020 and 2022. EI was assessed using the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test, and CSE was measured with the Counselor Activity Self-Efficacy Scales. The dataset includes pre-training, post-training, and mid-residency assessments for residents, along with demographic information and open-ended responses on perceived facilitators and barriers to EI development. To date, this is among the largest multicenter datasets in CPE research. It may be of value to researchers studying EI and CSE development in chaplaincy or comparable healthcare professions, as well as those seeking comparison data for other trainee populations.