Student affairs professionals' efficacy beliefs related to college student character development

The purpose of this study was to examine whether or not student affairs professionals perceived they had a role in the promotion of college student character development. The study also looked at different factors that influenced the perceptions that student affairs professionals had about their role in college student character development.;A survey instrument, the Student Affairs Character Development Efficacy Belief Instrument was designed and administered to 605 student affairs professionals. Participants were also asked to respond to one qualitative question asking them about a time they believed they influenced a college student's character development. Descriptive and regression analysis were performed. Results showed that student affairs professionals perceived that they have a role in promoting college student character development. Years of student affairs experience, knowledge of student development theory and type of work performed by the professional showed significant results. The size and type of institution where the student affairs professional worked were not found to be significant influences. Qualitative responses showed that many student affairs professionals believed they influenced character development in reaction to student behavior.