Counseling Practice Research Articles

Anatomizing Pope Francis’ pandemic homilies: Discourse parts and types in focus

In times of crisis, the role of religious leaders becomes paramount in providing solace and guidance to their followers. This study undertakes a comprehensive analysis of Pope Francis’ homilies during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on their discourse structure and text types. Employing a descriptive-qualitative approach rooted in discourse analysis, the study examines ten randomly selected homilies from an official Vatican compilation. The analysis reveals a consistent structural pattern comprising an introduction, narration, proposition, argumentation, pathetic, refutation, and conclusion. Furthermore, it discerns that the homilies predominantly exhibit characteristics of factual text, particularly the expository genre, elucidating theological insights and offering practical counsel. However, the study acknowledges limitations such as sample size and linguistic constraints, underscoring the need for careful interpretation of findings. These insights highlight the persuasive and pastoral efficacy of religious discourse during crises and emphasize avenues for future research and practical application in crisis communication and pastoral ministry.

Training on making lemuru fish into healthy snacks to support stunting reduction

Indonesia, the country in Asia with the highest stunting rate (ranked fifth), has a program to accelerate reducing the number of cases with Banyuwangi Regency being one of the pilot projects for the Healthy Children's Movement to Prevent Stunting Toddlers and accelerating stunting prevention issued by the Regent of Banyuwangi in April 2022. On the other hand, Bangorejo District, which is close to the south coast in Banyuwangi, means that this area has a lot of marine products in the form of fish and has cheap prices. The problem is, the community, especially mothers, most of whom are housewives, do not yet have the skills to increase the use value of these marine products. This program aims to improve skills in extending the shelf life of products made from lemuru fish and increase the use value of these products. The methods used are counseling and direct practice through training. The target partners are 27 mothers/women in Padukuhan Kedungrejo, Sambirejo, and Pasembon, Bangorejo District, Banyuwangi Regency. Training activities were held on 23 and 31 August 2023. The results of this activity were that participants had knowledge of making processed fish food which increased by 29.6%, and skills in making processed fish food which increased by 33.3%. The conclusion is that people's knowledge and skills in making processed lemuru fish have increased. The target community is able to make dragon legs and nuggets from lemuru fish.

How aware are we about doping in sports? : A cross-sectional pilot survey of doctors

BackgroundDoctors lack the required anti-doping knowledge. The aim of this single-centre pilot study is to survey the awareness level of doctors about anti-doping regulations and their opinion with reasons on inclusion of sports pharmacology/anti-doping aspects in undergraduate medical curriculum. MethodsAfter ethical clearance, a cross-sectional online pilot survey was done among medical doctors on anti-doping aspects, general awareness, practical applications and opinion on inclusion of doping in sports as a competency under undergraduate medical curriculum. Responses were categorized and analysed. The significance was set at 0.05. Results80 doctors including 53 medicine and allied residents, 16 surgery and allied residents and 11 medical doctors took part in the study. 94% doctors understood about doping, 53% were aware about anti-doping organisation, 37% on regulations and 64% were right on prohibited list substances. 80% drugs of abuse mentioned clustered under only four categories (S1, S2, S5 and S6) of the World anti-doping agency (WADA) prohibited list. Practical sports specific anti-doping knowledge in weight cutting (97%), retroactive therapeutic use exemption of medical emergency management (0%), anti-asthmatic medication use (59%) and alcohol use (41%) were significant. Internet (67%) and newspaper (20%) were the main source of information. 73% doctors recommended inclusion of doping in sports in MBBS competency-based medical education (CBME) curriculum. ConclusionAnti-doping specific awareness and knowledge was found lacking among doctors. 73% doctors favour inclusion of doping in sport as a competency in the undergraduate medical curriculum to aid in better clinical practice and athlete counselling.

The development and validation of an instrument to examine clients’ perspectives about their counselors’ ability to broach racial, ethnic, and cultural concerns

AbstractThe current study evaluated the validity of the broaching attitudes and behavior survey‐clients (BABS‐C), a self‐report measure that examined minoritized clients’ perceptions of their counselors’ ability to discuss issues of race, ethnicity, and culture during treatment. A series of confirmatory factor analyses suggested that the BABS‐C framework and its subconstructs achieved excellent model fit and stable factor structures. The measurement invariance was examined with seven covariates using multiple indicators and multiple cause methods. Implications for counseling research and practice are discussed.

Exploring the Relationship between Spiritual Well-being and Psychological Well-being among Novice Clergy and Senior Priests in Myanmar: A Basis of Development and Implementation of a Psycho-Spiritual Intervention Program

The study explored the in-depth experiences of spiritual well-being and its role on psychological well-being among clergy towards development and implementation of a Psycho-Spiritual Intervention Program. In particular, the study looked into the lived-experiences of spiritual well-being through the quality of relationship that one has within each component of spiritual well-being and its role on psychological well-being among novice clergy and senior priests because novice clergy and senior priests are the most important stages in priestly life. There is a big difference between these two groups in terms of number of years in priestly life, year of ordination, age and occupation. In order to achieve breadth and depth in the understanding of this phenomenon, the researcher employed the explanatory sequential mixed-method design. A total of 271 clergy (135 novice clergy and 136 senior priests) completed questionnaires about spiritual well-being and psychological well-being, 10 novice clergy and 10 senior priests were then selected for in-depth interviews. The results of regression analyses showed that overall spiritual well-being is a significant predictor of psychological well-being among the clergy. Personal component of spiritual well-being alone and environmental component of spiritual well-being alone were significant predictors of psychological well-being among novice clergy and senior priests respectively. The interviews substantiated these results. It further revealed that transcendental and communal component of spiritual well-being still appear in the picture of the relationship between spiritual well-being and psychological well-being among the clergy. These components, however, were manifested in different ways among the novice clergy and the senior priests. The findings specifically showed that the experience of spiritual well-being within the personal component benefits personal growth, environmental control, self-acceptance, purpose in life and emotional stability among the novice clergy. The experience of spiritual well-being in environmental component, on the other hand, benefits peace of mind, self-acceptance and others-acceptance, increased ability of problem-solving skills, increased happiness and a better physical health among senior priests. The implications of the study for clergy, for counseling practice and for future research have discussed.

Social/Emotional Learning Implementation and Student Outcomes

This quantitative, nonexperimental study addressed the gap between research-established benefits and outcomes of social/emotional learning (SEL) implementation as compared to actual instances of implementation. Focusing on SEL and the specificity of use of CASEL SELect programs, the research questions of this study explored differences between implementation and usage, length of implementation, poverty classification, student growth composite (as measured by TVAAS composite), and attendance in elementary schools in Tennessee. I discuss specific implications for school counseling practice and consider the implementation of SEL as an intervention for holistic student success.

Use of Ubuntu Spiritual Psychotherapy in Counselling adolescents with Conduct Disorder in Nkayi Secondary Schools, Zimbabwe

The aim of this study was to embrace Ubuntu Spiritual Psychotherapy as a technique for counselling adolescent with conduct disorder in Nkayi Rural District secondary schools. Ubuntu Spiritual Psychotherapy is an approach that combines elements of Ubuntu philosophy, spiritual principles, and psychotherapy to address the psychological and spiritual well-being of individuals. When it comes to counselling adolescents with conduct disorder in secondary schools, it has been observed by the researcher that Ubuntu Spiritual Psychotherapy miss the mark in utilising the valuable approach by failing to take a holistic view of individuals, considering their psychological, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions. Understanding the cultural background of the adolescents and respecting their beliefs and values is a problem with rural secondary school teachers. The study is guided by Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems theory. The nature of this research was essentially qualitative and phenomenological research design guided data gathering from 20 participants through focus group discussion and individual interviews with students, school counsellors and parents. The study concluded that although most of the teachers in schools appreciate Ubuntu spiritual psychotherapy as a holistic approach to counselling adolescent students with conduct disorder, some barriers such as inadequate knowledge and skill, lack of collaboration and training, negative attitudes and unavailability of standardised protocols condenses its effectiveness. The study further concluded that educators in secondary schools should embark on integrating Ubuntu spiritual psychotherapy into counselling practices in secondary schools to support adolescents with conduct disorders through appropriate teacher training and professional development on Ubuntu spiritual psychotherapy, collaboration between parents, teachers, school counsellors and mental health professionals and establishing a supportive and nurturing classroom environment. This study therefore recommended that teachers and school counsellors need to embrace Ubuntu Spiritual Psychotherapy as a technique for counselling adolescents with conduct disorder in secondary schools, through a collaborative effort from learners, parents, teachers, school counsellors and significant others.

Families as Healing Partners: A Collaborative Approach to Addressing Suicidality in Child Counseling

Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the United States for youth ages 12 to 17; thus, child counselors are encouraged to gain knowledge and skills to address this public health crisis. A major component of all child counseling practices, and particularly crisis counseling, is family collaboration. Given the dearth of research and scholarship regarding family counseling practices for addressing youth suicidality, we propose a five-week model to support counselors’ systemic healing work: Family Collaboration in Suicide Prevention ( FCSP). In this article, we introduce the model through providing (a) strategies for family rapport building, (b) engaging in means reduction with families, (c) developmental considerations for response and assessment practices, and (d) an overview of the model objectives and weekly curriculum.

Effect of sustained decreases in sedentary time and increases in physical activity on liver enzymes and indices in type 2 diabetes.

Current guidelines for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) recommend high volumes and/or intensities of physical activity (PA), the achievement of which generally requires participation in supervised exercise training programs that however are difficult to implement in routine clinical practice. Conversely, counselling interventions may be more suitable, but result in only modest increases in moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA). This study assessed whether a counseling intervention for increasing PA and decreasing sedentary time (SED-time) is effective in improving NAFLD markers in people with type 2 diabetes. Three-hundred physically inactive and sedentary patients were randomized 1:1 to receive one-month theoretical and practical counseling once-a-year (intervention group) or standard care (control group) for 3 years. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (γGT) levels were measured and fatty liver index (FLI), hepatic steatosis index (HSI), and visceral adiposity index (VAI) were calculated. Total PA volume, light-intensity PA (LPA), moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA), and SED-time were objectively measured by an accelerometer. Throughout the 3-year period, NAFLD markers did not change in the control group, whereas ALT, γGT, FLI, and HSI decreased in the intervention group, with significant between-group differences, despite modest MVPA increases, which however were associated with larger decrements in SED-time and reciprocal increments in LPA. Mean changes in NAFLD markers varied according to quartiles of (and correlated with) changes in MVPA (all markers) and SED-time, LPA, and PA volume (ALT, γGT, and HSI). Mean changes in MVPA or PA volume were independent predictors of changes in NAFLD markers. When included in the models, change in cardiorespiratory fitness and lower body muscle strength were independently associated with some NAFLD markers. A behavior change involving all domains of PA lifestyle, even if insufficient to achieve the recommended MVPA target, may provide beneficial effects on NAFLD markers in people with type 2 diabetes.

Professional wisdom in counselor education: A consensual qualitative research

AbstractEmerging evidence has suggested that practitioners who demonstrate professional wisdom, a multifaceted disposition, show superior judgment and clinical efficacy. In this consensual qualitative research study, we examined 16 peer‐nominated wise counselor educators’ perspectives on professional wisdom in the context of counselor education. We identified seven domains pertaining to the characteristics and interpersonal effects of professional wisdom, as well as perceptual factors. Our findings present an initial framework of professional wisdom specific to the field of counselor education and provide implications for counselor education, counseling practice, and future research.

Healthcare Professionals' Learning Needs and Perspectives on Essential Information in Genetic Cancer Care: A Systematic Review.

The increased demand for genetic testing and counseling necessitates healthcare professionals (HCPs) to improve their genetic competency through training programs. This systematic review identified HCPs' learning needs and their perspectives on essential information for families with hereditary cancer. This review covered studies published from 2013 to 2024 across five databases. Data were analyzed using a content analysis. Thirteen studies involving 332 HCPs were analyzed. Most studies focused on the learning needs of physicians caring for families affected by Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer in North America and Europe. HCPs required training emphasizing practical counseling skills over the basics of genetics. Learning needs varied by profession: physicians needed training in assessing cancer risk and supporting decision-making in risk management; nurses required information on resources and the genetic care system; genetic counselors sought guidance on family communication and planning. Essential information identified for families included risk-reducing strategies, personalized cancer risk assessment, family implications, psychological issues, (cascade) genetic testing, and social concerns. The findings have implications for the development of training programs for HCPs, emphasizing the need for tailored training based on professions. Future research should explore the needs of HCPs caring for families with diverse hereditary cancers and cultural backgrounds.

Implementing dietary counselling in family practice for diabetes control and prevention

The importance of dietary counselling in family practice for managing and preventing diabetes is the focal point of this review, highlighting its integral role in chronic disease management. With diabetes increasingly prevalent worldwide, there is a critical need for effective management strategies, with dietary interventions playing a key role. Family practitioners, often the initial point of contact for patients, have a unique opportunity to implement these dietary changes, which are pivotal in influencing diabetes outcomes and averting long-term complications. Despite facing challenges such as limited time and the need for specialized knowledge, dietary counselling in family practice stands as a proactive measure focused on prevention and early intervention. It adopts a patient-centered approach, where dietary habits and preferences are assessed, and personalized, evidence-based advice is provided. The inclusion of dietitians in primary care teams, utilization of technology for support, and advocacy for policy reforms are recommended to enhance the effectiveness of dietary counselling. Despite various obstacles, integrating dietary counselling into routine care remains a significant advantage, promoting healthier lifestyle choices and effectively managing the increasing burden of chronic diseases.

Communication Skills and Apprehension in Individual Counseling Practices

This study aims to explore and analyze communication skills and communication apprehension in individual counseling practice, particularly among prospective counselor students. The method used is a literature review, with 216 articles collected and 15 articles selected based on eligibility criteria for in-depth analysis. Findings from this review reveal that high levels of apprehension can hinder students’ ability to interact effectively with counselees and affect the quality of counseling practice. This study also identifies the challenges faced by students in managing their interpersonal communication and assesses the effectiveness of training programs and interventions in improving communication skills and reducing levels of apprehension. The results of this study are expected to provide deeper insights into the importance of communication skills and strategies for overcoming apprehension in the development of counseling competencies.

Voices of Support: Understanding the School Counseling Practices in Noveleta Cavite

Voices of Support: Understanding the School Counseling Practices in Noveleta Cavite

Contemporary interventions in counselling children and adolescents: A literature review

This study explores the evolving landscape of therapeutic interventions for children and adolescents in contemporary society. It examines the growing body of research on practical counselling approaches tailored to address the unique challenges young people face today. The review acknowledges the importance of considering developmental stages when selecting interventions and emphasizes the need for culturally competent practices. Mental health concerns among children and adolescents are on the rise. Factors such as social media pressures, academic stress, and family dysfunction contribute to a complex landscape of emotional and behavioural issues. Effective therapeutic interventions are crucial to supporting the mental wellbeing of this population. By examining contemporary counselling approaches, this review aims to equip mental health professionals with the knowledge and tools to provide the most effective care for their young clients. This review employs a systematic search of academic databases and peer-reviewed journals, focusing on publications within the past five years. Additionally, relevant books and chapters by leading authorities in the field will be incorporated. This review is expected to identify a range of effective contemporary interventions for counselling children and adolescents. It will highlight the importance of tailoring interventions to address specific needs, developmental stages, and cultural backgrounds. The review may also identify gaps in the current research and suggest areas for future investigation. By providing a comprehensive overview of contemporary interventions in counselling children and adolescents, this review aims to contribute to the advancement of evidence-based practices in the field. Equipping mental health professionals with effective tools will ultimately contribute to improved outcomes and enhanced wellbeing for young people facing mental health challenges.

Existential Psychology and Religious Worldview in the Practice of Pastoral Counseling

Existential Psychology and Religious Worldview in the Practice of Pastoral Counseling

School counselor perceptions and practices of advising male high school students regarding a career in nursing

BackgroundThe literature describes how male high school students with an interest in a career in nursing have struggled to obtain guidance, support, and accurate information. PurposeThe purpose of this mixed-methods study was to understand the perceptions and practices of school counselors when advising male high school students about a nursing career. MethodSixty-one school counselors completed an online survey, and nine participated in online interviews between June 2022 and February 2023. ResultsUnlike previously published studies, school counselors have an overall positive view of men in nursing and were supportive of male high school students becoming nurses. ConclusionsSchool counselors need more accurate and consistent resources.

How Bright Is the Restorative Rainbow? The Experiences of Sexual/Affectual Minority Youth Within a Restorative School District

The widespread adoption of restorative practices in U.S. schools to address educational inequities has been significant. However, the existing literature on restorative practices lacks research regarding the impact of this approach on sexual/affectual minority students. In our study, we explore the experiences of sexual/affectual minority students in Grades 3–12 compared to heterosexual students within a school district implementing restorative practices. Our findings indicate that sexual/affectual minority students face more discrimination and feeling left out, and less sense of belonging in school, feeling supported by adults, and feeling valued in comparison to their heterosexual peers. They are also less likely to feel heard or safe during talking circles. The article reports on these findings and concludes by discussing the implications and recommendations for school counseling practice and future research.

Generalizability Theory in the Evaluation of Psychological Profile in Track and Field.

Generalizability theory (GT) has been used throughout the scientific literature to ensure validity, reliability, and generalizability in different sport contexts. However, there is a small number of studies examining the measurement of psychological profiles in sport from this perspective. Therefore, this study's main goal is the sources of variability and the optimal measurement design estimation for a good assessment of the psychological profile in track and field. The sample consisted of 470 participants (age: Average= 32.1; Standar Desviation = 13.5). The analysis of variance and generalizability component analysis has been performed in order to test the reliability and generalizability of the sample. The profile included the following variables: flow, motivation (from Self-Determination Theory and Achievement Goals), self-confidence, and psychological skills. Results confirm that the sample has a high degree of reliability and generalizability in all the tested models. So, a detailed study on the validity, reliability, and generalizability of samples and measures should be an inherent element in the practice of psychological counseling in sports.

Abstract PO2-11-05: Pregnancy Trends Following Breast Cancer Treatment: Insights from a Large Single-Center Experience

Abstract Background The treatment of breast cancer (BC), particularly chemotherapy and long-term endocrine therapy (ETx), can have an impact on fertility which young women with BC have concerns about. This study was therefore conducted with the objective of providing comprehensive real-world data on pregnancy following BC treatment, aiming to shed light on this crucial aspect of survivorship and potentially guide clinical practice and patient counseling. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted using medical records of women aged 18-40 years diagnosed with BC at a single tertiary medical center between December 2010 and September 2020. The pregnancy rate and timing in relation to characteristics and treatment were analyzed, along with the outcomes of discontinuing ETx for the purpose of pregnancy. Statistical analyses including Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression were performed. Results The study included 995 patients, with a mean age at diagnosis of 31.5 years. Of these, 115 (11.6%) patients became pregnant after BC treatment. Patients with a prior history of pregnancy had a lower likelihood of conception post-treatment (HR=0.39, 95% CI: 0.24-0.67, P< 0.001). Women with hormone receptor positive BC was also associated with lower pregnancy rates than with hormone receptor negative BC (HR=0.52, 95% CI: 0.36-0.77, P=0.001). Age at diagnosis and chemotherapy did not significantly impact pregnancy rates (P=0.251 and P=0.140, respectively). Among 662 women with hormone receptor positive BC, there were 76 (11.5%) women who discontinued ETx for the purpose of pregnancy and 69.7% (53 out of 76) achieved pregnancies. The median duration of medication before cessation among these women was 26.5 months and the duration of ETx did not significantly affect pregnancy rates (P=0.204). Recurrence after discontinuation of ETx for pregnancy was observed in 17% (13 out of 76) of cases. The median breast cancer-free interval among these cohort was 71 months. Late recurrence, occurring after 5 years of treatment, was observed in 77% (10 out of 13) of cases. Among the patients who experienced recurrence, 62% (8 out of 13) were loco-regional, while 38% (5 out of 13) were distant recurrences and the success rate of achieving pregnancy was 69% (9 out of 13), while 31% (4 out of 13) did not get pregnant. Conclusion This study provided real-world data regarding the influence and outcomes of ETx on pregnancy in young BC survivors. The discontinuation of ETx for the purpose of pregnancy appears to result in successful conception. Recurrence rates after therapy discontinuation for pregnancy were observed in a subset of cases, with late and loco-regional recurrences being more common. Results of uni- and multi-variable cox proportional hazards model evaluating time to pregnancy * The pregnancy rate was calculated using Kaplan-Meier (KM) estimates. Pregnancy rate according to ETx and its discontinuation Pregnancy rate according to duration of ETx prior to Discontinuation for pregnancy * The p-value was calculated using Chi-square analysis Citation Format: Young-jin Lee, Tae-Kyung Yoo, Sae Byul Lee, Jisun Kim, Il-Yong Chung, Beom Seok Ko, Jong Won Lee, Byung Ho Son, Hee Jeong Kim, Jeonghee Ahn, Seonok Kim. Pregnancy Trends Following Breast Cancer Treatment: Insights from a Large Single-Center Experience [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO2-11-05.