The relationship between critical thinking disposition, problem solving and empathetic tendency in counsellor candidates*

The aim of this research was to examine the relationship between the level of critical thinking disposition, problem solving and empathetic tendencies of the candidate counsellors. Data were collected from a total of 406 counsellors (207 females, 199 males; 103 freshman year, 101 second grade, 98 third grade and 104 senior class) for this purpose. The Turkish Version of California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory, The Turkish Version of Problem Solving Inventory and Empathetic Tendency Scale were used to collect data. In the data analysis process, descriptive statistics, t tests for independent groups and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation analysis tests were used. According to the first finding, there was no significant difference in the levels of critical thinking, problem solving and empathetic tendency according to gender. Secondly, positive relationships between critical thinking, problem solving, and empathetic tendency levels were achieved.