Counseling Center Research Articles

Designing and study the psychometric properties of the “Counselors’ Professional Development Scale

Introduction: The counselors’ professional development seeks education and skills training, experience, and expertise, not only in one field but for the present and the future. Aim: The present research was conducted to design and study the psychometric properties of the “Counselors’ Professional Development Scale". Method: The current research was a mixed exploratory design and tool making. The statistical population of this research included all counselors of counseling and psychology centers in Tehran in 2022. The number of samples reached 12 semi-structured interviews, which were selected by purposive sampling. Construct validity and Cronbach's alpha coefficient were used to examine the psychometric properties of the Counselors' Professional Development Scale. Results: The results of the present study showed that the Counselors’ Professional Development Scale has Cronbach's alpha reliability and adequate construct validity in a sample including counselors of counseling and psychology centers in Tehran. Conclusion: The Counselors’ Professional Development Scale in the theoretical framework of 6 selected codes based on the grounded theory was designed and the results indicate the desired reliability and validity of the present tool. It is suggested that the authorities of higher education and the organization of the psychology and counseling system consider the designed tool and provide a suitable platform for the professional development of counselors.

Effects of integrative behavioral couple therapy on communication patterns and marital adjustment.

Couples experience maladjustment and serious problems in establishing and maintaining intimate relationships. Therefore, therapists employ different methods for helping couples experience more intimate and compatible relationships. Nowadays, professionals are more interested in using integrative approaches than ever before. Integrative behavioral couple therapy (IBCT) is an exemplar of such methods. This study aimed to analyze the effects of IBCT on communication patterns and marital adjustment. This study included pretest and posttest steps with a control group. The statistical population included couples aged 20-45 years old visiting the counseling and psychological service centers of Tehran for marital conflicts in 2022. After the initial evaluation, 76 couples were selected as the sample through convenience sampling. They were then randomly assigned to the test and control groups. All participants were asked to fill out the Spanier Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) and the Communication Patterns Questionnaire (CPQ) one week before the first intervention session and one week after the last intervention session. Participants in the test group attended eleven 90-minute sessions of IBCT, whereas those in the control group received no interventions in this period. The one-way ANCOVA was used for data analysis in SPSS 26. The results indicated that IBCT managed to significantly improve marital adjustment and constructive communication patterns. It reduced two communication patterns called "mutual avoidance" and "demand/withdraw" in the test group (P = 0.001). However, since the effect size of "demand/withdraw" was 0.26, this result should be interpreted cautiously. According to the research findings, Iranian couple therapists can employ IBCT to improve constructive communication patterns and mitigate destructive ones in couples. Given the effect size, IBCT increased dyadic cohesion, affection, dyadic satisfaction, and dyadic consensus as well as improving the marital adjustment of participants.

The structural model of marital satisfaction based on relational beliefs with the mediating role of cognitive emotion regulation in married women

Introduction: Inefficiency in the process of emotion regulation prevents the emergence of efficient behaviors and appropriate coping responses to the situation in marital relationships by the individual, which seems to be influenced by relational beliefs. Aim: The present study aimed to formulate a structural model of marital satisfaction based on relational beliefs with the mediating role of cognitive emotion regulation in married women. Methods: The current research was descriptive-correlation based on the method of structural equations and the statistical population of the present study consisted of all married women between the ages of 30 and 50 who were referred to counseling centers in Tehran in the first six months of 2022, among them 371 women were selected using the random clusters sampling method. The research tools included ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale, Relationship Belief Inventory, and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. For data analysis, Pearson's correlation method and structural equations were used with SPSS version 22 and AMOS version 24 software. Results: The results of the present study showed there is an indirect and significant relationship between relational beliefs and marital satisfaction with the mediation of positive emotional cognitive regulation (P=0.003, Z=-2.11). There is an indirect and significant relationship between relational beliefs and marital satisfaction with the mediation of negative emotional cognitive regulation (P=0.009, Z=-1.78). Conclusion: The results showed that marital satisfaction is predicted based on communication beliefs with the mediating role of cognitive emotion regulation in married women. It is suggested that couple therapists and family therapists pay attention to relational beliefs and cognitive emotion regulation strategies derived from them in counseling and couple therapy to increase marital satisfaction.

The effect of group couple therapy based on the acceptance and commitment approach on marital conflicts and emotional divorce of couples

Introduction: : Considering the prevalence of marital conflict and emotional divorce among couples and the role these factors play in the incidence of divorce in society, the present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effectiveness of group couples therapy based on the acceptance and commitment approach on marital conflict and emotional divorce. Aim: The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effectiveness of group couple therapy based on the acceptance and commitment approach on marital conflict and emotional divorce. Method: The research design was a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest type with a control group. The statistical population included all couples who had approached the counseling centers of the 2nd district of Tehran in 2020. twenty-four individuals (12 couples) were selected from the above community by an available sampling method and randomly divided into two experimental groups of 12 individuals (6 couples) and the control group. 12 individuals (6 pairs) were placed. The data collection instruments included questionnaires on marital conflict (Sanaei, 2000) and emotional divorce (Gottman, 2008). The experimental group participated in 8 sessions of 90-minute group couples therapy based on Hayes & Strosahl (2010) acceptance and commitment approach. SPSS version 22 software and the analysis of covariance method were used for data analysis. Results: The results showed that group couples therapy based on acceptance and commitment was effective (p=0.002 and, F: 12.228) for emotional divorce (P=0.004, & F: 10.185) and marital conflict (p 0.05.) <). Conclusion: Group therapy for couples based on acceptance and commitment can reduce conflict and emotional divorce by providing couples with a better understanding of marital conditions and the relationship. Therefore, it is recommended that this method be used to reduce marital conflict and emotional divorce.

The Reality of Academic Counseling and Student counseling Centers from the Point of view of Academically Probated Students at A'Sharqiyah University (A field study)

The Reality of Academic Counseling and Student counseling Centers from the Point of view of Academically Probated Students at A'Sharqiyah University (A field study)

Structural Relationships between Attachment Styles and Marital Satisfaction with the Mediation of Loneliness

Introduction: Identifying related and influencing factors on marital satisfaction is of particular necessity and importance. It seems that attachment styles and loneliness are among the factors affecting marital satisfaction. Aim: The present study aimed to determine the structural relationships between attachment styles and marital satisfaction with the mediation of loneliness. Methods: The research method was descriptive-correlational and the statistical population of this study included all women and men who were referred to family counseling centers in Ilam City in 2019 with complaints of marital problems which 320 were selected by convenience sampling method. To collect data Adult Attachment Questionnaire by Simpson (1990), ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale (1993) and The University of California Loneliness Scale (1996) were used. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS .24 and Amos. 24. Results: In the present study, the results showed that loneliness and marital satisfaction had a negative and significant relationship (β=-.258, P=.001). Avoidant attachment (β=-.189, P=.001) and anxious attachment (β=-.138, P=.001) and marital satisfaction had a negative and significant relationship. Loneliness in the relationship between secure attachment (β=.149, P=.001), anxiety (β=-.043, P=.048) and avoidance (β=-.140, P=.001) and marital satisfaction had a mediating role. Conclusion: The results showed that loneliness mediates the relationship between secure, anxious and avoidant attachment and marital satisfaction. Therefore, it is suggested that couples and family therapists, in counseling and couple therapy, to increase marital satisfaction, should also pay attention to people's attachment styles manifestations and feelings of loneliness caused by it.

The Effectiveness of a Group Counseling Program Based on Feminist Therapy Reducing Feelings of Guilt and Stigma of Battered Women

Objectives: The study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a group counseling program based on feminist therapy in reducing feelings of guilt and stigma among battered women. Methods: The study sample included thirty battered women randomly assigned to one of two equal groups: an experimental group (number=15) that participated in the group counseling program and a control group (number=15) that did not participate in any intervention program. To achieve the aims of the study, the researchers gathered data from both study groups using measures of guilt and stigma in pre- and post-tests. They were also employed in the experimental group’s follow-up test. Results: The results of the accompanying variance analysis revealed statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups in the mean scores on the scale of guilt in the post-test, favoring the experimental group with an arithmetic mean of (2.096) and a standard deviation of (0.352), noting that the program’s effect size reached the value of (0.874%), and on the stigma scale in the post-test with an arithmetic mean of (2.249) and a standard deviation of (0.287), emphasizing that the program’s effect size has attained a value of (0.879%), indicating the program’s efficacy. The results of the post- and follow-up comparisons among the experimental group members revealed that there were no statistically significant differences in the measure of guilt between the average of the post-measurement, which was (2.10) and a standard deviation of (0.352), and the follow-up, which was (2.23) and a standard deviation of (0.348), and the absence of statistically significant differences between the mean of the post-measurement, which was (2.10) and a standard deviation of (0.348). Conclusions: Because of its success in reducing guilt and stigma among battered women, the program utilized in the current study within group counseling in counseling centers is needed for women’s service.

Usługi wczesnego wspomagania rozwoju dziecka w prawie oświatowym

Early support for child development is a form of targeted and specialized support for a child who has not yet started fulfilling educational obligations. It is implemented in order to stimulate the child’s psychomotor and social development, from the moment of detecting a disability until the child starts school. It is intended to prevent potential future failures in school education. Early support for child development is a conglomerate of public services whose type, scope and frequency of provision are adapted to the needs of a specific child, and take into account their individual limitations. The right to use these services stems from an opinion issued by the adjudicating panel of a public psychological and pedagogical counseling center confirming the child’s need for early development support. The article discusses the legal aspects of the public task of organizing and providing services in the field of early development support. The aim is to explain the meaning of the concept of early support for child development, discuss the legal provisions regulating them and determine the ratio legis of their introduction into the Polish legal system. It also involves identifying intangible services falling within the scope of early support for child development, determines their beneficiaries and identifying the entities providing them. In the context of acquiring the right to use these services, special attention will be paid to the opinion issued on the need to support early child development, in particular, the procedure for its issuance it and its components. In order to achieve the research goals, the dogmatic-legal method will be used, consisting of the analysis and interpretation of the texts of legal acts. Administrative court jurisprudence regarding the subject of the article will also be taken into account to the required extent.

Perfectionistic Cognitions, Self-Compassion, and Psychological Distress Among Veterinary Students

ABSTRACT Veterinary students may be at risk for experiencing mental health concerns. Some scholars have suggested that maladaptive perfectionism is a contributing factor, although little research has examined this empirically. The main objectives of this study were to explore the relationships between perfectionistic cognitions, self-compassion, and psychological distress among 472 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) students in the United States. Veterinary students reported experiencing more frequent perfectionistic cognitions than a normative non-clinical sample of college students. There were no significant differences in overall psychological distress between veterinary students and a normative clinical sample of college students seeking services at university counseling centers. Participants who reported experiencing more frequent perfectionistic cognitions also tended to report lower self-compassion and greater psychological distress. Self-compassion mediated the relationship between perfectionistic cognitions and psychological distress, which suggests that improving self-compassion may be one way of reducing the impacts of maladaptive perfectionism on veterinary students’ mental health.

The influence of electronic module of marriage age maturity towards the self-efficacy of adolescent cadres in conducting education in Youth Information and Counseling Center (PIK-R), Bantul Regency

<p><strong><em>Background:</em></strong><em> Insufficient understanding of marriage-age maturity education related to self-efficacy among adolescent cadres contributes to early marriage and pregnancy at a young age, consequently elevating the risk of maternal mortality. Adolescent cadres play a crucial role as both peer groups and agents of change. Addressing this issue can be facilitated through the use of electronic modules, which have demonstrated effectiveness.</em></p><p><strong><em>Objectives: </em></strong><em>This study aims to determine the influence of electronic module of marriage age maturity towards the self-efficacy of adolescent cadres in conducting education in Youth Information and Counseling Center (PIK-R), Bantul Regency.</em></p><p><strong><em>Methods: </em></strong><em>This research employed a non-equivalent quasi-experimental design featuring pre-test and post-test assessments with a control group setup. The sample was selected through total sampling, comprising 50 respondents divided into two groups: 24 in the intervention group at Ngireng-ngireng Village (PIK-R Fresh) and 26 in the control group at Padokan Lor Village (PIK-R Pelangi). This research was conducted from February to March 2023. The instruments used in the study, including the electronic module of marriage age maturity and a self-efficacy questionnaire for adolescent cadres. The analysis used in this research was the paired sample t-test. </em></p><p><strong><em>Results: </em></strong><em>The paired sample t-test statistical analysis yielded a significant value of p-value 0.000 (p<0.05). This indicates that there is an influence on self-efficacy in the intervention group and the control group after being provided with education about marriage-age maturity using electronic modules and PowerPoint slides.</em></p><p><strong><em>Conclusions: </em></strong><em>The electronic modules of marriage-age maturity education have an impact on the self-efficacy of adolescent cadres involved in education in PIK-R, Bantul Regency. Consequently, it's advisable for adolescent cadres to integrate these electronic modules into their daily routines to boost their self-efficacy and educate their peers more effectively.</em></p>

Sounding the alarm regarding mental health of children and adolescents in relation to parenting style

BackgroundChildhood and adolescence are critical periods for physical and mental development. For that, sounding the alarm for the warning signs and red flags of children’s mental health disorders is important to promote good health and mental wellness throughout the lifespan. The aim of the study was to assess children’s and adolescents’ mental health in relation to parenting styles.MethodsThis study used a descriptive cross-sectional design. From early May 2022 until late October 2022, Zagazig University in Egypt hosted this investigation. Subjects: For this study, 400 parents of Zagazig University staff, employees, and workers who agreed to engage in the current study were gathered as a convenience sample. Tools: In order to get the required data, three tools were utilized. Tool I: A questionnaire for interviews to gather demographic information about the participating parents and their children. Tool II: Adapted Ontario Child Health Study Emotional Behavioural Scale: Parent Version (for children 4–17 years). Tool III: Parenting style scale.ResultsIt was found that criteria for conduct disorder constituted the highest followed by criteria for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and major depression disorder with a mean and standard deviation of 15.10 ± 3.7, 12.83 ± 3.4, and 11.9 ± 2.8. Also, 66% of the participating parents practiced a permissive parenting style while 18% of them practiced the authoritative style and 16% for the authoritarian style.ConclusionIt was determined that criteria of conduct disorder were the most prevalent, followed by criteria of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and major depressive disorder. Additionally, there was high statistical significance between mental health disorders, parenting styles, and parental educational level. In order to protect children’s and adolescents’ mental health, this study recommended alerting parents and teachers about red flags and warning signs of mental health disorders for early detection and management. Additionally, educate parents about effective parenting methods and how to behave correctly with their children. Psychological counseling centers for seeking help should be available everywhere and announced.

Rethinking child aggression beyond traditional labels: A ‘shared victimhood’ approach to child-to-child violence in Nigeria

Child-to-child violence is a pervasive problem in schools and communities worldwide. Traditional models for understanding this violence often present a clear dichotomy between aggressive children and passive victims. However, this binary approach has proven largely inadequate in recognizing the power dynamics and potential victimization of both parties involved, resulting in interventions that have little to no success in rehabilitation. Alternatively, this paper proposes a "shared victimhood" approach, arguing that violent behavior may result from a cycle of negative experiences in which both the aggressor and the victim are positioned as products of their environment. In essence, the paper explores the limitations of binary labeling and the potential of the shared victimhood framework. It reviews relevant research on the ecological factors influencing child aggression, highlighting the impact of family background, early childhood experiences, and social learning. Drawing on ecological theory, the paper emphasizes the importance of early intervention and prevention strategies that address the root causes of aggression while fostering empathy and resilience in children. It also recommends that states in Nigeria establish LGA-specific child counseling centers and rehabilitation facilities attached to the health care system that cater exclusively to the needs of abused children. Finally, the paper suggests areas for future research to further develop and refine the shared victimhood perspective.

Clinically inapparent mpox virus (MPXV) infections among clients of three anonymous Community Based Voluntary Counselling and Testing centres in Berlin, Germany, 2022–2023

IntroductionSince the mpox outbreak in 2022, it was unclear if and how often infections with mpox virus (MPXV) were clinically inapparent, i.e. not presenting to clinical care with mpox symptoms. Moreover, it was hypothesized that MPXV circulated in the affected communities before the outbreak was officially detected.MethodsWe retrospectively tested rectal and urethral swabs, and pooled samples for presence of MPXV. Samples were obtained from routine STI testing of three anonymous Community Based Voluntary Counselling and Testing (CBVCT) centres in Berlin, in 2022 and 2023. Testing results were linked to anonymously provided behavioural data.ResultsOverall, 9,053 samples from 6,600 client visits were included. Clinically inapparent MPXV infections were detectable in 1.1% of the samples. We did not find MPXV infections in the month before the first cases appeared in Berlin or between October 2022 and January 2023 when case numbers were low in Germany. However, during the outbreak period in 2022, we found clinically inapparent MPXV infections among 2.2% of the clients and during summer/autumn 2023 among 0.3%. The number of condomless anal/vaginal intercourse partners within the previous 6 months and PrEP use were identified as predictors of clinically inapparent MPXV infection.ConclusionClinically inapparent MPXV infections occurred during the mpox outbreak in Berlin in 2022 and post-outbreak in summer/autumn 2023. Unrecognized MPXV circulation in Berlin before the recognition of the outbreak in May 2022 appears unlikely. However, low-level sustained circulation of clinically inapparent MPXV infections need to be acknowledged in mpox prevention strategies.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of the Schema Mode Tand Emotional-focused Therapy on Emotional Adjustment in New Married Couples with Conflict

Aim: This study aimed to compare the effect of Schema Mode Therapy (SMT) and Emotional-Focused Therapy (HMT model) on emotional adjustment of new married couples with conflict. Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental study with a multi-group pre-test/post-test design with a control and follow-up group. The statistical population of this study included couples with marital conflict who had been married for less than 6 years and had been referred to counseling centers in city of Astara in 2019. Thirty couples were selected through convenience sampling method and assigned randomly into control and experimental groups. The Rubio et al (2007) Emotional Adjustment Measure (EAM) was used as research instruments in this study. Follow-up was performed after 3 months from the end of the interventions, and multivariate analysis of covariance statistical tests with repeated measures and SPSS-24 software were used to analyze the hypotheses. Results: Schema mode therapy and emotional-focused therapy (HMT), separately, reduced components of lack of discipline (P<0.05) and lack of hope (P<0.01). Conclusions: Both methods increases emotional adjustment in general state, and there is no significant difference between the effectiveness of two intervention methods.

Interparental conflict trajectories across various child residence arrangements when parents live apart.

In Norway, as in most Western countries, a growing proportion of parents living apart choose shared residence for their children. The aim of this study was to investigate trajectories of five interparental conflict dimensions across four child residence arrangement groups (and three combination groups) to improve understanding of different conflict trajectories when parents live apart. We used data from the Dynamics of Family Conflict study. Families (N = 1136) were recruited from 37 family counseling centers across Norway. Parents answered questionnaires in three waves: Wave 1 (December 2017 through August 2019); Wave 2 (November 2019 through January 2021); and Wave 3 (April through May 2021). Mixed effects analyses indicated that (a) for all conflict dimensions, there was less conflict and more cooperation over time across all residence arrangements; (b) except for children's involvement in conflict, the conflict dimensions did not develop differently over time between residence arrangements; (c) families with arrangements in which one parent had minority time (1%-14% and 15%-34%) were more likely to report children being involved in their parents' arguments over time than the 35%-49% and 50/50 residence groups; (d) for families with high relational risk pattern, children's involvement in conflict did not decline in either a high (1-34%) or a low degree (35%-49%) of sharing; and (e) families with a violent risk pattern and low degree of sharing (1%-34%) had the steepest decrease in conflict frequency/intensity over time. Even with an average decrease in destructive conflict dimensions over time, the findings point to the need for providing support for parents with complex needs, particularly for parents with a high relational risk pattern.

(067) ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF SEX EDUCATION ON SEXUAL SCHEMAS, SEXUAL SELF-ESTEEM, AND SEXUAL SATISFACTION IN MENOPAUSAL WOMEN

Abstract Introduction Menopause represents a crucial life phase for women, characterized by significant physical and psychological changes. Objective This study aims to explore the influence of sex education on women's sexual schemas, sexual self-esteem, and sexual satisfaction among menopausal women. Methods This research employed a quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test study with a control group. Participants were selected from women who had sought counseling at counseling center. They were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (15 pairs) or the control group (15 pairs). Data were collected using the Questionnaire of Cognitive Schemas Activation in Sexual Context (QCSASC), Women's Sexual Self-esteem Questionnaire (SSFIW), and Women's Sexual Satisfaction (ISS). The independent variable, sex education, was implemented for the experimental group over 15 hours across a six-week period, with one session per week. Subsequently, the three aforementioned questionnaires were administered to both the experimental and control groups Results ANCOVA analysis indicated that the sex education intervention had an impact on women's sexual self-esteem and sexual satisfaction but did not affect women's sexual schemas. Conclusions Training in sex skills can enhance and elevate women's sexual satisfaction, even during a period where a decline in sexual self-esteem might be anticipated Disclosure No.

Comparison of the effectiveness of enhanced cognitive-behavioral couple therapy on emotional self-regulation and couple burnout of self-assigned and court-referred incompatible couples.

This study aimed to investigate the comparative effectiveness of enhanced cognitive-behavioral couple therapy (ECBCT) on emotional self-regulation and couple burnout in incompatible couples. The study hypothesizes that ECBCT is efficacious in emotional self-regulation and marital burnout of incompatible Iranian couples (self-assigned and court-referred) visiting counseling centers. Twenty-eight Iranian couples were divided into four groups (two self-assigned and court-referred experimental groups and two self-assigned and court-referred control groups) who were selected using the available sampling. The experimental groups were subjected to ECBCT, while the control groups received no therapy. Over time, there was an improvement in emotional self-regulation and marital burnout in experimental groups compared with control groups. This intervention was more efficacious for the self-assigned couples of the experimental group according to the Eta coefficient, which was 71 for emotional self-regulation and 66 for marital burnout. ECBCT helps couples improve their emotional self-regulation and couple burnout.

Changing Paradigm of Yeast Isolates in HIV-Seropositive Patients with Oropharyngeal Candidiasis (OPC).

Background Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) is a common fungal infection in HIV-seropositive patients. Understanding the spectrum of yeast isolates and their antifungal susceptibility patterns is crucial for effective management. This study aimed to determine the yeast isolates, antifungal susceptibility patterns, and associated factors in HIV-seropositive patients with OPC. Material and methods A prospective observational study was conducted on 350 HIV-seropositive patients attending an Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC) at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), Patna, Bihar. Yeast isolates from oropharyngeal lesions were identified, and their antifungal susceptibility was determined by automated method VITEK 2. Demographic characteristics, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) status, and CD4+ cell count categories were analyzed for associations. Results This study of 350 HIV-seropositive patients revealed that 100 tested positive forCandida, with distinct differences between HAART (n=67) and non-HAART (n=33) groups. HAART patients had a younger age distribution and higher median CD4+ cell counts (350 vs. 250 cells/mm³, U = 175, p < 0.05) compared to non-HAART patients.Candida albicanswas the most common species in both groups, but significant variations in species distribution (χ² = 9.23, p < 0.05) and antifungal susceptibility were noted. Specifically, susceptibility differences were significant for flucytosine (χ² = 7.21, p = 0.027) and voriconazole (χ² = 8.64, p = 0.013), emphasizing the influence of HAART on managing immune function and antifungal resistance in HIV patients. Conclusion This study provides insights into the spectrum of yeast isolates and their antifungal susceptibility patterns in HIV-seropositive patients with OPC. The findings emphasize the importance of considering multiple factors, such asCandida species, HAART status, and individual patient characteristics, in treatment decisions. The results will aid in the development of evidence-based management protocols for this vulnerable population. Further research is warranted to explore additional factors influencing antifungal susceptibility and optimize treatment strategies for this patient population.

Challenges perceived by social workers to prevent FGM/C in Bavaria: a prospective, cross-sectional survey

BackgroundWorldwide, at least 230 million girls and women are affected by female genital mutilation/ cutting (FGM/C). FGM/C violates human rights and can cause irreparable harm and even lead to death. In 2022, more than 100,000 survivors of FGM/C lived in Germany, and more than 17,000 girls were considered at risk. Due to the increasing number, there is a need to improve the skills of professionals not only to treat FGM/C but also to prevent it, aiming to maintain or improve women’s physical and mental health. However, previous studies mostly focused on health care providers, even though other professionals such as social workers, play an important role in the provision of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care and are often the first point of contact. Therefore, the study’s main objective was to understand challenges perceived by social workers in pregnancy counselling centres in the provision of good quality of SRH care for girls and women suffering from or endangered by FGM/C.MethodsA quantitative self-administered cross-sectional online survey was sent by e-mail in 2021 to all pregnancy counselling centers in the German federal state of Bavaria.ResultsAmong the 141 participants, 82% reported no or insufficient FGM/C knowledge and barriers to provide the best quality of care. The main findings were language obstacles (82.7%), perceived client’s fear or shame (67.9%) and cultural difficulties (45.7%). Furthermore, participants also reported a lack of competence on the professional side (29.6%). Importantly, most participants (129 of 141; 92%) expressed interest in training.ConclusionProviding comprehensive good quality sexual and reproductive health care to women and girls affected from or endangered by FGM/C is challenging. The study revealed the importance of strengthening the skills of social workers and suggested the following strategies: (1) enhancing FGM/C knowledge and skills (including specialized competences e.g., in mental health) by improving training and information material for the target group, (2) improving referral pathways and addressing deficits in the existing care system (e.g. with health or legal institutions), and (3) developing trusting relationships with cultural (or traditional) mediators to build strong community networks.

Social Anxiety in Students with Specific Learning Disorders Based on Emotion Regulation and Emotional Intelligence: The Mediating Role of Perceived Self-Efficacy

Background: One of the basic challenges faced by children with specific learning disorders (SLD) is social-emotional problems. Objectives: Considering the importance of social anxiety in interacting with others and its negative consequences in the family, society, and academic life of students with specific learning disabilities, the present study aims to develop a causal model of social anxiety in these students based on emotion regulation and emotional intelligence, taking into account the mediating role of perceived self-efficacy. Methods: The research employed a descriptive approach and utilized path analysis. The statistical population of this research comprised all the students with SLD who were referred to the student counseling centers and LD centers affiliated with the education organization of Sanandaj city in the academic year 2022 - 2023. The research sample consisted of 360 students aged between 8 and 12 years old with SLD, selected from the statistical population through purposeful sampling. In this research, the self-report version of Leibovitz's Social Anxiety Scale for children and adolescents by Masia-Warner et al., Shields and Cicchetti's emotion regulation inventory, Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire by Mavroveli et al., and Muris' Children's Self-Efficacy Questionnaire were utilized. The fit indices of the model were also confirmed. Results: The variables of emotion regulation, perceived self-efficacy, and emotional intelligence directly affected the social anxiety of students with SLD. Additionally, the social anxiety of students with SLD was significantly related to the mediation of perceived self-efficacy with emotion regulation and emotional intelligence (P &lt; 0.01). Conclusions: Therefore, to reduce the social anxiety of students with SLD, it is recommended that educators and experts develop educational programs to increase adaptive emotion regulation strategies, enhance perceived self-efficacy, and strengthen emotional intelligence.