Need For Counselors Research Articles

Physician awareness, preparedness, and opinions toward consumer-initiated genetic testing in Thailand: Views from a changing landscape.

Consumer-initiated genetic tests have captured public interest in recent years, including in low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs) such as Thailand. Due to limited resources and personnel, physicians will most likely bear the burden of increasing service needs from the public as consumer-initiated genetic tests become popularized. The primary objective of this study was to describe (a) awareness, (b) preparedness to provide counseling about the consumer-initiated genetic test, and (c) opinions on the usefulness of consumer-initiated genetic tests among physicians at an academic hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. The secondary objective was to describe factors that were associated with the awareness, preparedness, and opinion of the participants. Paper questionnaires were sent out to participants which included internal medicine residents, fellows, and faculty staff members. The questionnaires assessed awareness, preparedness to discuss consumer-initiated genetic test results, and opinion on the usefulness of consumer-initiated genetic tests and included both closed- and open-ended questions. Responses were anonymous. Among 308 participants, there were 223 (72.4%) residents, 14 (4.5%) fellows, and 71 (23.1%) staff members. Only 15% of participants were aware of consumer-initiated genetic tests, mostly from the internet, and only 7% were prepared to provide counseling regarding consumer-initiated genetic tests. However, 60% agreed that consumer-initiated genetic tests may be clinically useful. Many participants, including trainees, expressed concerns about the interpretation of consumer-initiated genetic test results, application into clinical practice, appropriate counseling, and patient referral to geneticists. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that years of work experience was independently associated with awareness of consumer-initiated genetic tests, while male gender and less work experience were independently associated with favorable opinion toward the usefulness of consumer-initiated genetic tests. Our results pointed to an urgent need for genetic counselors in Thailand. Also, physicians, particularly trainees, need appropriate training to prepare them for a rapidly evolving environment where consumer-initiated genetic tests become commonplace.

The role of the school counselor in protecting high school students in Medina from intellectual deviations in light of the guiding methods: دور المرشد الطلابي في تحصين طلاب المرحلة الثانوية بالمدينة المنورة من الانحرافات الفكرية في ضوء الأساليب الإرشادية

The present study aimed to identify the most important responsibilities of the student counselor in the development method from the methods of guidance and counseling to immunize high school students from intellectual deviation from the viewpoint of student counselors in secondary schools in Medina, and to identify the most important responsibilities of the student advisor in the method and preventive methods of guidance and counseling to immunize students of the stage Secondary school from intellectual deviation from the viewpoint of student counselors in secondary schools in Medina, the most important responsibilities of the student counselor in the development method of guidance and counseling methods to immunize high school students from intellectual deviation from the viewpoint of student counselors in secondary schools in Medina, and the researcher has followed Descriptive survey approach to achieve the objectives of the study. The study tool was represented by a questionnaire that was distributed to a sample of (73) student counselors from secondary school counselors in Medina. The study found a number of results, the most important of which were: The spread of unemployment among the youth of society leads to their occurrence in many deviations that lead to insecurity, including intellectual deviations, and that ignorance of religion is a common factor for falling into all manifestations of intellectual deviation. Based on the results he suggested The researcher suggested a number of recommendations, the most important of which were: The need for student counselors to coordinate and cooperate with local community institutions with the aim of spreading programs to enhance intellectual security among school students, especially high school students, and to provide student counselors in secondary schools with the financial and technical capabilities necessary to carry out their role in implementing methods of student immunization. Of intellectual perversion.

Advancing the Counseling Profession Through Intervention Research

In this article, we describe a type of research known as intervention research. With evidence‐based practice becoming the industry standard across the mental health profession, the need for counselors to engage in intervention research is greater now than ever before. Intervention research not only leads to improved client care but also supports accountability and enhances advocacy efforts by providing the evidence needed to influence stakeholders and drive change. With proper training, both counseling researchers and practitioners can engage in intervention research that advances the profession by assessing the efficacy and effectiveness of specific counseling interventions. This article serves as a primer to inform future researchers.

STRESS TRAP OF COVID-19 - A WEB-BASED STUDY

The corona virus infection or COVID-19 outbreak is one of the biggest medical challenges to humankind in recent times. The anxiety and concerns in society regarding the pandemic are globally affecting every individual to variable extents. Aims & Objectives: To assess the perceived stress by the general population during lockdown in COVID 19 pandemic. Methodology: Across-sectional, observational study was carried out Pan-India for a period of one month. An online structured questionnaire was developed by using google forms. An online Perceived Stress Scale questionnaire was used. Data was analyzed using Epi info software version 7.0. Results: Total 907 responses were received by the stipulated time. Study participants when assessed for their level of stress using Perceived stress scale, majority of them were having moderate stress (62.4%), while 11.5% were having high stress.Conclusion: With the spread of COVID19; anxiety, worry and stress has increased among the masses, hence there is need for counsellors and psychiatrists to help people deal with the current scenario.

Psychological Alienation and its Relationship to Psychological Security among a master's Students at Taif University: الاغتراب النفسي وعلاقته بالأمن النفسي لدى طلبة مرحلة الماجستير بجامعة الطائف

The study aimed to identify the feelings of psychological alienation among master's students at Taif University and identify the levels of such feelings. The study also aimed to identify the relationship between the level of psychological alienation and psychological security among the students. The study followed the descriptive approach; where the study sample consisted of (60) master's students at Taif University in Saudi Arabia. The study tool consisted of two measures; the psychological alienation and psychological security measures. The study came out with a set of results, the most important of which were: The total score of responses to the dimension of social isolation was 60.8%. The total score of responses to the dimension of anomie was 54.4%. The total score of responses to the dimension of nihilism was 60.8%. The total score of responses to the dimension of the feeling of impotence reached 45%. The total score of responses to the dimension of reification was 40.5%. The sample's assessment levels on the dimensions of life satisfaction ranged between 36-77.7%; where the total score of responses to this dimension was 71.7%. The total score of responses to the dimension of social appreciation was 59.6%. The total score of responses to the dimension of social stability reached 56%. In addition, the study found a negative relationship of statistical significance between the level of psychological alienation and psychological security among master's students at Taif University according to the correlation coefficient (0.633). In light of the previous results, the study recommended creating a climate in the university that satisfies the needs of the students; keeping them away from feeling alienated, and the need for psychological counselors to be present to provide psychological guidance to students at the university.

Development and Implementation of a Bilingual Counseling Certificate Program

The ever-growing population of Spanish-speakers in the United States increases the need for counselors to provide services in languages other than English. Yet, very few counselor education programs offer training specifically aimed at providing bilingual counseling services. The authors introduce important elements of bilingual counseling training and describe the implementation of these features into a certificate designed to train competent, bilingual clinical mental health and school counselors. Implications for counseling pedagogy, practice, supervision, and research are discussed.

Recurrence of cardiac defects among siblings: Could this pose an urgent need for genetic and chromosomal analysis? Case report and review of literature.

Background: Current trends in chromosomal analysis and genetic assay for cardiac anomalies have led to arising need for genetic cardiologists and counsellors. Objectives: We present series of four cases that showed a very strong demand and need for genetic testing and counselling. Results/Case Presentation: We report four cases of congenital familial disease, each pair consists of siblings with both congenital and acquired heart diseases. The first pair arise from same parents, both males, 8 years and 5 years respectively with both presenting with anomaly from cono-truncal origin. The elder brother has pulmonary stenosis and the younger had truncus arteriosus. The former had surgery and was doing well but the former awaits surgery. The second pair arise from same biological parent. Both are females, 8 years and 6 years old respectively, both had cardiomyopathy, they are now awaiting cardiac transplant. Regrettably, none of the familial cases had any genetic assay or counselling because of lack of funds and facilities. Conclusion: From these cases, it is very expedient to include genetic counselling and chromosomal analysis as part of our daily practice in our locale. Indications such as the presence of a syndromic phenotype, growth delays and a family history of cardiac lesion could be a tell-tale sign for genetic analysis.

A Clear and Consistent Focus on Students: Principals’ Perceptions of the Role of School Counselors

As greater emphasis is placed on addressing critical school issues such as school-based mental health, violence prevention, and the effects of trauma, the utilization of school counselors should be examined to ensure that these uniquely-trained professionals are mobilized by school administrators to engage these issues. Q methodology was employed to explore how a convenience sampling of 32 current principals across varying demographics and grade levels conceptualize the role of the school counselor. The results of this study provide a rich understanding of how principals view school counselors in relation to the needs of their respective school communities. Evident is a clear and consistent emphasis of principals on the need for school counselors to have a strong rapport with their students. Discussed are additional steps that may be considered in further advancing the relationships between these two types of professionals, as well as insights to inform school principal preparation programs in how school leaders can appropriately utilize student services personnel.

The School Counselor Activity Rating Scale: An Instrument for Gathering Process Data

importance of collecting process data describing school counselor practice is widely supported as a component of accountability. However, the lack of practically significant and valid instruments may hamper this practice. School Counselor Activity Rating Scale was designed to measure how school counselors actually spend their time versus how they would prefer to spend their time in job-related activities. Its development, initial validity and reliability results, and potential applications are presented in this article. ********** What do school counselors do? is not a new question. Indeed, on any given day, practicing school counselors need to provide an answer to this question for teachers, administrators, parents, and in truth, themselves. One way to answer this question is to collect and analyze process data. Process data can describe an important aspect of school counselor practice and effectiveness, that is, how school counselors are spending their time in their day-to-day activities (American School Counselor Association [ASCA], 2003). Given that there is a continual need for school counselors to describe and account for what they do, it follows that an instrument that can be used to collect relevant process data is warranted. purpose of this study was to examine initial validity, and reliability data on the School Counselor Activity Rating Scale, an instrument that school counselors could use to gather process data. Information describing what school counselors do has been collected and has received a great deal of attention in school counseling literature. Past research has focused on how school counselors spend time in particular activities (Bonebrake & Borgers, 1984; Carroll, 1993; Hardesty & Dillard, 1994; Vandegrift, 1999) and the difference between how school counselors actually spend their time and how they want to be spending their time (Johnson, 1993; Mustaine, Pappalardo, & Wyrick, 1996; Partin, 1993; Tennyson, Miller, Skovholt, & Williams, 1989; Wilgus & Shelley, 1988). In addition, the difference between school counseling practice and best practice, as advocated by leaders of the profession, has received attention (Burnham & Jackson, 2000; Carter, 1993). Although there has been little consistency in the measurement of time in activities, or the types of activities studied, the consistency of findings reveals that there remains a discrepancy between what is advocated as best practice (the type of activities and the time devoted to various tasks as related to program objectives) and what is actually practiced in schools (Burnham & Jackson; Carter; Hutchinson, Barrick, & Groves, 1986; Mustaine et al.; Partin; Scarborough, 2002). For the practicing school counselor, the main purpose of collecting process data is for program evaluation. Gysbers and Henderson (1988) stated, The purpose of evaluation is to provide data to make decisions about the structure and impact of the program and the professional personnel involved (p. 263). Process data describe the way the school counseling program is structured and conducted (i.e., what activities have been done) and whether prescribed practice was followed (ASCA, 2003). According to National Standards for School Counseling Programs, As a first step to understanding your site's use of time, all the school counselors should keep track of their time and document activities performed throughout their days. This allows school counselors and administrators to determine the amount of time being spent in each of the delivery system components [e.g., consultation, coordination, counseling, curriculum] and in non-school-counseling activities. (ASCA, p. 51) Assessing the amount of time spent in activities addresses what is happening and then provides an opportunity to discuss what should or could be happening (ASCA). In situations with a discrepancy between actual and prescribed practice, school counselors then can make adjustments that will lead to greater effectiveness. …

Differential Experiences of Mental Health among Trans/Gender Diverse Adults in Michigan.

Transgender and gender diverse individuals experience high rates of health disparities, as compared with their cisgender (non-transgender) counterparts. One area in which these disparities is most grave is that of mental health, with some studies indicating transgender and gender diverse individuals as having a 40% rate of lifetime suicide attempts and similarly high rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. These rates vary further within this population, with differential rates seen across sociodemographic factors, including race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability status, education level, and income. This study explores mental health experiences across different social identities, using data from the 2018 Michigan Trans Health Survey (N = 659), a community-based participatory action research project collected in Michigan, United States, analyzed using chi-square tests of independence and logistic regressions. Findings indicate incredibly high rates of mental health concerns; 72.2% had been diagnosed with depression in their lifetime and 73.0% had been diagnosed with anxiety in their lifetime. In the past year, 49.9% had had non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) thoughts, 45.4% had suicidal thoughts, 26.3% engaged in NSSI, and 7.7% had attempted suicide. Bivariate regressions showed some nuanced experiences of rates of mental health diagnoses and experiences, such as greater odds of experiencing all mental health disparities among those with disabilities, and differential odds across gender in regard to ever having a depression diagnosis, non-suicidal self-injury thoughts and engaging in non-suicidal self-injury behavior. This indicates a need for social workers, counselors, therapists, and other human services professionals to act more intentionally and with an intersectional lens when it comes to exploring the mental health of transgender and gender diverse persons.

College Athletes Under Pressure: Eating Disorders Among Female Track and Field Athletes

Eating disorders are a widespread problem for college female athletes. This article builds on this research by collecting survey data from female college track and field athletes at 30 universities. Results find that the division level is not a significant driver of eating disorders. Another significant finding comes from breaking out the pressures into its team-related and social causes. Results find that team-related pressures lead to more vomiting behavior, while social pressures impact dieting. Previous studies which aggregate pressures, rely on one eating disorder, or focus on a single university for their sampling may not reflect these complex relationships. Even after controlling for individual factors, competition level, and team nutritionists, the pressures still impact these athletes. This suggests a need for additional screenings and counselors to address pressures occurring both on and off the track. While difficult to achieve, there needs to be a change in team cultures across all divisions. JEL Classifications: I1, Z2

Deconstructing disability training in counseling: a critical examination and call to the profession

ABSTRACT Many persons with disabilities (PWDs) are ill-served by a counseling workforce acking adequate disability training. In this article, we identify the reasons behind this deficiency using a critical disability theory framework, and we highlight the need for counselors, regardless of specialty areas, to offer culturally competent counseling services to PWDs. The current status of disability training in counseling, with future directions, is also discussed in conjunction with codes of ethical conduct and professional standards.

Minding many minds: An assessment of mental health and resilience among undergraduate and graduate students; a mixed methods exploratory study

Objective/Participants The American College Health Association (ACHA) found that 65.4% of Ontario (Canada) students feel overwhelming anxiety and 89.5% of students feel overwhelmed by all of their obligations. Thus, this study assessed the current state of full-time undergraduate (UGS) and graduate students’ (GS) mental health and resilience. Methods A total of 598-796 UGS and GS completed three questionnaires (BRS, MHI, and SF-36) and a demographic questionnaire, which were distributed campus-wide. Focus groups/individual interviews (n = 30) explored students’ mental health- and resilience-related experiences. Results/Conclusions Quantitatively, participants produced normal levels of resilience on the BRS, below-the-norm levels of anxiety on the MHI, and above-the-norm levels of physical functioning, but below-the-norm levels of six mental-health-related constructs on the SF-36. Qualitatively, GS and UGS felt physical activity (PA) benefited their mental health and resilience, and voiced the need for more counselors. Overall, participants’ mental health and resilience were similar to the population.

The case for increasing the number of counsellors in secondary schools: Ratios, research, and recommendations.

For many years the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC) and the Post Primary Teachers' Association (PPTA) have been lobbying the government for a higher ratio of counsellors to students- without much success. There have been many formal and informal documents, representations and press releases written to highlight the need for more counsellors in secondary schools. Evidence regarding the escalation of counsellors' workloads, their levels of job-related stress and potential burnout has accumulated over the years. Research from the USA and UK has shown that school counselling benefits students' educational and personal lives in numerous ways. In addition, higher counsellor-to-student ratios have been shown to be associated with better student outcomes. Until recently, apart from anecdotal evidence, there has been no equivalent research on the impact of counselling on students' lives in New Zealand schools. However, two new studies have now identified: 1) the broad range of problems that counsellors deal with in schools and how that factor might be affecting counsellors' workloads; and, 2) the benefits of counselling for student wellbeing in a national sample of schools. Within months of the results of the second study being released, the New Zealand government announced that $44 million will be made available to community organisations to provide counselling in primary and secondary schools. This has marked the first significant increase in funding for counselling since 2001. The potential effect of that expenditure on the role of counsellors is discussed, and a target ratio to be used as a benchmark for all schools is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of New Zealand Journal of Counselling is the property of New Zealand Association of Counsellors and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

‘Either stay grieving, or deal with it’: the psychological impact of involuntary childlessness for women living in midlife

What is it like for women to be involuntarily childless in midlife? Involuntarily childless women may be suffering from prolonged grief due to its ambiguous and intangible nature; however, they are also striving to find ways of dealing with their internal pain in order to live with their loss. Many studies examining issues around human reproduction have tended to place childlessness in the realm of medicalised infertility and report generalised mental issues, such as depression and psychological distress, existing amongst women undergoing fertility treatments. Few studies, however, have focused on the individual with regard to the experiential significance of involuntary childlessness and living beyond the phase of trying for a baby. A phenomenologically oriented person-centred qualitative design was used. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 White British women, who identified themselves as involuntarily childless, recruited via three leading childless support networks in the UK. In order to retain an idiographic commitment to the detailed account of a person's experience, a homogeneous and purposive sampling was used applying the following criteria: women aged between 45 and 55; in long-term heterosexual relationships with no adopted children, stepchildren or children of a partner from a previous marriage or relationship; and no longer trying to have a child. Considering the homogeneity of ethnic background and wishing to respect cultural differences, this study focused on White British women living in the UK. Of the 12, one woman was found to not meet the criteria, and therefore, the experiential data of 11 interviews were used for the study and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Two higher-order levels of themes that illustrate intrapersonal features were identified: the intrapersonal consequences of loss and confronting internal pain. The former explicated the depth of internal pain while the latter revealed ways in which the participants deal with it in their everyday lives. The important finding here is that both themes are co-existing internal features and dynamically experienced by the participants as they live with the absence of much-hoped-for children. Given the homogeneous sampling and the small number of participants, which is consistent with IPA, we want to be cautious in generalising our study findings. This study offers the view that there might be potential mental health issues surrounding involuntary childlessness that are currently overlooked. Particularly because the loss of hope cannot be pathologised, and the grief is ambiguous and intangible, it might make people's grieving process more complicated. An ongoing sense of uncertainty also may persist in that involuntarily childless people may develop symptoms similar to those diagnosed with prolonged grief disorder (PGD). The overall findings elucidate the need for clinicians, counsellors and health professionals to be aware of the possible association with PGD and promote long-term support and care in helping to maintain psychological well-being for people dealing with involuntary childlessness. Furthermore, this research points to an educational application for younger people by offering information beyond an explanation of infertility and fertility treatment, helping to understand the lived experience of involuntary childlessness. No funding was obtained for this study. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. Not applicable.

Supporting the information gathering practices of academically advanced college‐bound students

AbstractFor academically advanced college‐bound students, decisions about where to apply, and ultimately, where to enroll are influenced by a wide range of factors. One key factor in the decision‐making process is access to quality information about universities. This qualitative descriptive study used semistructured interviews with 10 high school seniors to explore the research practices academically advanced high school students used as they formed initial choice sets and subsequently eliminated options in the college decision‐making process. Participants in this study primarily researched the availability of academic support, career development opportunities, and peer support. These students used online sources, word of mouth, campus visits, and university contacts to find answers to specific questions about school culture. These findings suggest a need for counselors and school psychologists to help students access credible college information sources and to provide support for students as they evaluate that information in light of academic, social, and career development goals.

Meanings ascribed to the concept of "giftedness": Implications for counselling with young people.

This article focuses on social constructions of giftedness and on what these perceptions and understandings mean for helping professionals, most notably counsellors, working with gifted young people. It also looks at the apparent impacts of these perceptions and understandings on the mental and emotional wellbeing of young people who are identified as gifted. The article is informed by findings from a doctoral research project (Wong, 2018), a study that drew on the professional and personal experiences of members of a Facebook group dedicated to the exploration of different constructions of giftedness. Two key conclusions were reached: first, that the "gifted mind" is often described in ways, such as sensitive or intense, which might not immediately be recognised or acknowledged as characteristics of giftedness; second, that unhelpful constructions of giftedness appear to have an impact on the mental and emotional wellbeing of gifted individuals. The implications of these findings suggest the need for counsellors and other helping professionals to have greater awareness of the meanings attributed to individual giftedness and to establish a safe space in which to work effectively with gifted young people, their families and whānau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of New Zealand Journal of Counselling is the property of New Zealand Association of Counsellors and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Challenging Definitions of Psychological Trauma: Connecting Racial Microaggressions and Traumatic Stress

While previous studies have found significant relationships between racial microagressions, depression, and anxiety, few studies have examined the effects of racial microaggressions on traumatic stress. Furthermore, although trauma has been traditionally conceptualized as psychophysiological reactions to life-threatening events, the notion of racial trauma has been excluded, despite resulting in similar symptomatology. The current study utilized a correlational, cross-sectional design with a racially diverse sample of people of color (N=254) to investigate the relationships between racial microaggressions, racially- or culturally-related trauma, and trauma symptoms. Using hierarchical multiple regression analysis, results indicated that a greater frequency of racial microaggressions was significantly associated with greater traumatic stress symptoms, and that school or workplace microaggressions were the type of microaggression that was most associated with traumatic symptoms. Implications are discussed, including the need for counselors, psychologists, and helping professionals to consider racial microaggressions as traumatic events while using culturally-informed trauma-focused methods to normalize and empower people of color.

Fertility Counseling With Couples: A Theoretical Approach

Couples face significant concerns while undergoing fertility treatment as they cope with complex decision-making, rigid medication schedules, side effects, and the ongoing process of dealing with the diagnosis of infertility. This highlights the increasing need for counselors to become educated and specialized in the unique support fertility patients require. Attachment theory and emotionally focused therapy can help counselors understand how to work with couples experiencing infertility, providing opportunities for new bonding, connection through grief and loss, and potentially a more smooth transition into parenthood.

Effective Christian Counseling for Secondary School Students with Low-Academic Status: A Case for Integration of Biblical Counseling and Psychology

In Nigeria, the need for guidance and counseling in schools has been recognized. There is great need for a clear rationale and guidelines for guidance and counseling programs, and also the Guidance counselors (Chike- Okoli, et al 2018). Over the years several researches have been carried out to establish the need for counselors and their services. However, there exists a dearth of empirical studies on the effective strategies to increase impact of guidance counseling services on academic achievement of students. The main aim of this research work was to examine the perception of church and school-based counselors in integrating Biblical counseling and psychology for effective counselling of students with low academic performance status in Public Senior Secondary schools in Niger State of Nigeria. A population was studied and the acquired data collected. Data was analyzed using frequency and simple percentages. The people that participated in the survey all believe that any counseling that is not built upon a solid biblical theology has no authority. Majority of them stand with the integrated view of counseling. They strongly believe that the counselor has the ability to put together the truths of psychology and the bible in a harmonious way. Findings reveal that students with low academic status could be motivated to perform better using effective counseling strategies that integrate biblical principles and psychology. The debate for integrating Biblical Counseling and Psychology is on- going.