Objective: To understand the competency characteristics and influencing factors of university psychological counseling practitioners, and to provide a theoretical basis and practical guidance for improving the competence of practitioners. Methods: A cross-sectional survey method was used to investigate and analyze 256 psychological counseling practitioners in Guangxi universities using the general situation scale, competency characteristic scale, general self-efficacy scale and burnout scale. Results: The total score of competency characteristics among university psychological counseling practitioners was 22.87±3.11, indicating a moderate level of competency. There were significant differences in competency characteristics among different ages, title levels, hobbies, qualifications, years of practice and average case counseling treatment groups (p < 0.05). Regression analysis indicated that age and health status were significant predictors of practitioners’ competency characteristics (β = 2.416, -2.834, p < 0.05). General self-efficacy significantly and positively predicted practitioners’ competency characteristics (β = 6.312, p < 0.001). Burnout had a significant negative predictive effect on practitioners’ competency characteristics (β = -4.459, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The competence of university counseling practitioners is medium, and demographic variables affect competence to a certain extent. Enhancing self-efficacy and reducing burnout levels can effectively improve practitioners’ competency.
Chengzhi et al. (2026) studied this question.