Published: 2026-09-13

Psychology Students’ Perceptions of the Role and Competences of a Sociotherapist: A Qualitative Study

Katarzyna Nosek-Kozłowska Profil ORCID autora Katarzyna Nosek-Kozłowska
Seminare
Section: Articles
DOI https://doi.org/10.21852/sem.1899

Abstract

This study examines psychology students’ perceptions of the role, qualifications, and competences of a sociotherapist. It focuses on the professional, interpersonal, personal, and ethical competences considered important for effective sociotherapeutic practice and professional preparation. The qualitative study involved 32 fourth-year psychology students aged 22–25. Data were collected through interviews and analysed using qualitative content analysis to identify recurring themes and thematic categories. The findings show that participants conceptualized sociotherapist competences as multidimensional. In addition to formal qualifications and specialist knowledge, they emphasized interpersonal competences, particularly relationship building, empathy, active listening, and effective communication, as well as emotional maturity, self-awareness, and authenticity. Group facilitation skills, including managing group dynamics and maintaining appropriate boundaries, were also regarded as essential, together with ethical responsibility and professional commitment. The findings suggest that psychology students perceive the sociotherapist as a professional whose effectiveness depends on integrating specialist knowledge with interpersonal, personal, group facilitation, and ethical competences.

Keywords:

sociotherapy, sociotherapist competences, psychology students, interpersonal competences, group facilitation, qualitative content analysis

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Nosek-Kozłowska, K. (2026). Psychology Students’ Perceptions of the Role and Competences of a Sociotherapist: A Qualitative Study. Seminare, (Online First). https://doi.org/10.21852/sem.1899

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