Understanding the Role of Professional Identity, Family Support, and Stress in Enhancing Self-Compassion of the Guidance Counselors: A Path Analysis

This study explored the relationship of professional identity, family support, and stress on the self-compassion of licensed guidance counselors in Mindanao. Results revealed that counselors demonstrated high levels of professional identity, strong family support, high stress, and high self-compassion, indicating a workforce that is committed, supported, challenged, yet generally capable of practicing kindness and awareness toward themselves. Using a quantitative, correlational design and PATH analysis, the research examined how these variables interact and the extent to which stress and family support mediate the relationship between professional identity and self-compassion. Standardized instruments were administered to guidance counselors across various Mindanao regions to measure levels of professional identity, family support, stress, and self-compassion. Findings revealed significant relationships among the variables, showing that a strong professional identity and robust family support contribute to higher self-compassion, while elevated stress undermines it. Mediation analysis further demonstrated that stress partially mediates the relationship between professional identity and self-compassion, while family support and stress jointly serve as significant mediators. The best-fit model underscores the importance of strengthening counselors’ professional identity, expanding institutional and familial support systems, and reducing work-related stress to promote their well-being and effectiveness. Recommendations emphasize workload management and targeted programs that foster resilience and sustainable mental health among guidance counselors.