Students\u27 preferences for counselor characteristics in Don Bosco Junior and Senior High School, Semarang-Indonesia

This study identifies the High School Students\u27 preferences for counselor characteristics and to see if there are differences between juniors and seniors as well as male and female students. The descriptive-comparative research design was used, employing the survey method through the use of questionnaire as a tool for gathering data. The subjects of the study were 333 students of Don Bosco High School in Semarang, Indonesia (223 juniors, 110 seniors 174 males, 159 females). A two-way analysis of variance was employed to find out whether or not there were significant differences between juniors and seniors, male and female students in their preferences for counselor characteristics. Hypotheses were tested at .05 level of significance. Findings showed that most of the students had preferences for counselor gender, age, educational level, and some personality traits. Most of them, however, were not particular about counselor religion, ethnicity, and socio-economic status. Furthermore, there were significant differences between seniors and juniors in their preferences for counselor age, education, and some personality traits. Male and female students differed significantly in their preferences for counselor gender, ethnicity, and some personality traits. However, there were no significant differences among the groups in their preferences for counselor religion, socio-economic status, and some other personality traits. From the findings it can be concluded that there are similarities and differences among the groups of students in their preferences for counselor characteristics. The female counselors with ages below forty, and with college (sarjana) level of education, have the greatest chance to be assigned counselor. Further study should be made with a larger and more heterogeneous sample. It could include other student factors like type of problem, family background, personality traits, etc