Investigation of the relationship between school psychological counselors' interpersonal problem-solving skills and orientations and perceived social support: Malatya province example

In this study, the relationship between school psychological counselors' interpersonal problem-solving skills and orientations and their perceived social support was examined. The study group of the research consists of a total of 270 school psychological counselors, 148 of whom are female and 122 of whom are male, working in public schools affiliated with the Ministry of National Education in Malatya Province in the 2023-2024 academic year. "Interpersonal Problem-Solving Inventory" was used to measure the problem-solving skills and orientations of school psychological counselors, and "Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale" was used to determine perceived social supports. In the analysis of the data, the relationship between interpersonal problem-solving skills and orientations and perceived social support was examined using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient Technique. Standard Multiple Linear Regression Analysis technique was used to determine the predictive power of perceived social support on interpersonal problem-solving skills and orientations. As a result of the correlation analysis, significant relationships were found between interpersonal problem-solving skills and orientations and perceived social support dimensions (family, friend, special person). As a result of the regression analysis, perceived social support sub-dimensions (family, friend and a special person) together with interpersonal problem-solving skills and orientations include negative approach to the problem (% 9.4), constructive problem solving (% 10.2), self-confidence (% 9.6), not taking responsibility (% 5.2), and insistent approach (%7.4) were found to significantly predict. Discussions and suggestions are included within the framework of the findings. Keywords: Problem solving, interpersonal problem solving, perceived social support.