Abstract

This study developed and validated the Korean Psychotherapy Preference Scale (KPPS) to systematically assess client preferences in counseling and psychotherapy settings. In Study 1, an initial pool of 43 items was developed, and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) was applied to data from 400 adults to examine the factor structure. A four-factor model was identified as the optimal solution. The four preference factors were labeled as (1) Time Orientation (2) Intervention Method, (3) Intervention Focus, and (4) Relational Stance/Style. In Study 2, the same four-factor ESEM structure was cross-validated in an independent sample of 600 adults, demonstrating acceptable model fit. One item with a low primary loading was removed, resulting in a final scale consisting of 15 items across four factors. The McDonald’s ω coefficients for the subscales ranged from .54 to .76. Regarding construct validity, the time orientation factor showed negative correlations with beliefs about counseling, whereas the intervention method factor showed positive correlations with counseling intention. In addition, neither factor showed a significant correlation with depressive symptoms, supporting discriminant validity. The implications of using the KPPS as a multidimensional measure of client preferences in early counseling assessment are discussed.