Online Counseling Services Research Articles

Patterns of suicidal ideation among undergraduate students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

PurposeThe main objective of this study is to determine the patterns of suicidal ideation among undergraduate students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.Design/methodology/approachThe study examined the pattern of suicidal ideation among undergraduate students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research design. The study population comprised all the 28,673 undergraduate students of the university out of which 800 students were selected by stratified random sampling for the study. A questionnaire was used in gathering data for this study. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, cluster and factor analyses. The study concluded that the patterns of suicide ideation among undergraduate students of Obafemi Awolowo University are passive. It is recommended that Obafemi Awolowo University students adopt the physical and online counselling services provided by the institution to aid their mental and psychological well-being.FindingsFindings revealed that the prevalence of suicidal ideation among the students was low (89.9%). Result also showed that pattern of suicidal ideation was passive (85.2%). In addition, result showed that social isolation (31.3%), hopelessness (29.4%), disappointment with school result (26.5%) and unmet expectation (12.9%) were possible factors of suicidal ideation among undergraduate students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.Research limitations/implicationsThis study only established the patterns of suicidal ideation among students of Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, without any reference to treatment of students with suicidal ideation. Since the patterns of suicidal ideation had been established, it is suggested that further research be conducted on the treatment and prevention of suicide among the students.Originality/valueThe research was conducted by the researchers, and data were adequately collected and prepared following research ethics and guidelines. Results were presented as revealed by the analysis of the data.

An empirical study of the effectiveness of online counseling services from various job settings and features

The challenge for future counselors is using technology in counseling. Online counseling is a strategy that can be applied amid the counselee’s doubts about the effectiveness of existing counseling services. This study aims to identify the point of online counseling services from various counseling service settings. The qualitative systematic literature review design is sourced from 9 scientific journals through the semantic scholar database and has been reputable from 2013-2022. The PRISMA flow diagram model is presented—data analysis of 9 articles (out of 588 invalids) through descriptive narrative. The data findings show that it is more effective than face-to-face. School, college, addiction, health, and community counselors can apply for it. Telephone, chat, video, and text features can support multiple counseling approaches. Counselors need to develop the skills and competencies of counselors with online counseling through training and webinars.

How is the Muslim Counselor's Experience in Implementing Single-Session Online Counseling on Adolescent?

Effective and efficient counseling service interventions are the goal of every counselor in providing psychological assistance to adolescents. This study aims at describing the Muslim counselors' experience in implementing single-session online counseling services focusing on solutions for adolescents. Before the researchers conducted this study, first of all, they were preparing instruments, and a list of questions, as an interview guide for data collection. After the data collection process, the researchers analyzed and interpreted the data. Data were analyzed using a qualitative approach through thematic analysis. The data were then classified into three sub-themes; Namely creating a safe and comfortable online counseling relationship, basic communication skills in online counseling, and time management in online counseling. The results show that relationship building in online counseling services requires counselors' acceptance, strategy, and self-disclosure. During the online counseling process, counselors need to apply basic counseling skills and specific techniques in solution-focused single-session counseling strategies. They are scaling questions, miracle questions, and exception questions. Time management in the implementation of online counseling is also a challenge for counselors. Flexible time needs to be managed properly so as not to hinder the counseling process.

Community counseling strategies to improve mental health literacy

This study aimed to analyze community counseling strategies to increase public awareness about mental health services literacy. A cross-sectional survey design method was used and the samples included 339 respondents with an age range of 13 -50 years from various cities in Indonesia. The samples were selected using the Incidental sampling technique. Data were collected using a community awareness instrument for mental health services, implemented through an internet-based survey hosted on the Sobat Konseling account. The data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics. The results showed that respondents genuinely cared about mental health after being exposed to various vital information. However, there was a lack of understanding regarding the symptoms of mental disorders. There was also limited awareness regarding the function of professional services, with only 1.47% of respondents selecting to consult a professional counselor, while others preferred to seek advice from friends and families, or refused to seek counseling at all. The results served as a reference for community counseling, providing insights into the formulation of strategies to enhance knowledge and skills in identifying mental disorders. Moreover, there is a need to build trust and understanding of the roles and experiences of counselors in handling psychological disorders through online counseling services.

Online Counseling Services: The Role of Opinion Leaders in Purchase Intentions

The declining mental health condition due to the Covid-19 pandemic raises the need for counseling. The pandemic situation and the era of digitalization have encouraged the re-emergence of online counseling services know as e-counseling. The limitations of the online counseling process do not reduce consumers' intention to use this service. Intention to use e-counseling services can be determined by positive thoughts and perceptions of the information provided by individuals or organizations who have credibility and can be trusted (opinion leaders) regarding the quality of services offered. This study aims to analyze the relationship between the perception of opinion leaders and purchase intentions on e-counseling services. This research is a quantitative research with purposive sampling technique. Data from 101 research subjects were processed using Kendall's Tau B non-parametric statistics. A significant value of 0.000 (p <0.05) indicates there is a positive relationship between perceptions of opinion leaders and purchase intention with an effective contribution of 33.5%.Kondisi kesehatan mental yang menurun akibat pandemi Covid-19 memunculkan kebutuhan melakukan konseling. Situasi pandemi dan era digitalisasi mendorong munculnya kembali jasa konseling secara online yang dikenal dengan e-counseling. Keterbatasan proses konseling yang dilakukan secara online tidak menurunkan niat konsumen untuk menggunakan jasa ini (purchase intention). Niat menggunakan jasa konseling online dapat ditentukan oleh pemikiran dan persepsi yang positif atas informasi yang diberikan oleh individu atau organisasi yang memiliki kredibilitas dan dapat dipercaya (opinion leader) mengenai kualitas jasa yang ditawarkan. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisa hubungan persepsi terhadap opinion leader dan purchase intention pada jasa konseling online. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif dengan teknik pengambilan sampel purposive sampling. Data dari 101 subyek penelitian diolah menggunakan statistik non-parametrik Kendall’s Tau B. Nilai signifikan sebesar 0,000 (p <0,05) menunjukkan ada hubungan positif antara persepsi terhadap opinion leader dan purchase intention dengan sumbangan efektif sebesar 33,5%.

A Lurking Threat: Counselor Practices to Guard Against Cyber Threats

As a result of shifts in global power, the growth of cyber capabilities worldwide, and the impact of COVID-19 on the increasing use of technology in varied workplaces, the potential for threat and disruption to mental health facilities is expected to increase. Counselors and their clients are vulnerable to these threats any time they share data online with each other, with third-party payers, and with allied health professionals. In fact, any private information stored digitally is potentially at risk for exploitation or theft. This current environment highlights the need for an intentional process and approach that can help mental health counselors understand their digital assets and vulnerabilities in order to anticipate and protect against potential cyber threats. This type of process can be facilitated through the application of cyber intelligence and cybersecurity principles to online counseling services in order to address ethical and legal obligations of counselors and to assuage client fears about potential privacy breaches. When counselors keep client data safe, Health Information Portability and Accountability Act and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act violations are less likely to occur in a variety of settings where clients may be seen. An overview of the need for cybersecurity, a framework for bolstering cybersecurity, and specific guidelines for counselors are provided.

The Development of an Android-Based Classical Guidance and Counseling Service Application for Junior High Schools

This study aims to (1) describe the needs for the development of an Android-based classical guidance and counseling service mobile application in 5 schools in Pujananting District, (2) describe the prototype of an Android-based classical guidance and counseling service mobile application, and (3. determine the level of validity of an Android-based classical guidance and counseling service mobile application. The validity testing was conducted by a content expert and a technology expert to ensure the utility, accuracy and feasibility of the application. The study was conducted by adapting to the stages of Research and Development by Borg and Gall. Data were collected using observations, interviews, and questionnaires, and were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative data analysis. The results showed that (1) the Android-based classical guidance and counseling service application needed to be developed in 5 junior high schools in Pujananting District to facilitate students in receiving online counseling services, (2) the prototype of application through planning and developing early product as well as validity testing was found to have high levels of utility and feasibility, (3) the Android-based classical guidance and counseling and service application was useful, feasible and accurate as a media to provide online classical guidance and counseling guidance services.

Online Counseling as a Service in College: A Generation Z Perspective

Online counseling is a service provided to students for the academic success of students in college. This research is a type of survey research where the research object is the young generation aged 15-25 years. The number of research subjects was 561 people consisting of students and university students. The data collection technique uses questionnaires to obtain data on the needs of Generation Z for online counseling. Scores are graded in percentages and grouped by “important” categories. The results showed that Generation Z’s need for online counseling was “urgently needed”. The findings of this study show that 93.7% of Generation Z (538 respondents) want online counseling as a support system for their learning success in college as much. They are comfortable doing online counseling through WhatUp social media as many as 69.9% (401 respondents) and Video Call media as much as 18.5% (106 respondents). The problem they wanted to address when doing online counseling was the most learning problems with 33.6% (193 respondents). Generation Z feels offline counseling is more convenient 65.9% (378 respondents) compared to online counseling 34.1% (196 respondents). Thus, universities can consider the needs of Generation Z for online counseling services.

Coping Strategies Among Indonesian College Students During The Covid-19 Pandemic

Introduction: Several steps have been taken to reduce opportunities for spreading diseases COVID-19. Coping strategies are the main tool individuals use to minimize situations that are considered dangerous. College students cannot use coping strategies that are typically done outside, due to the limitations of lockdown in their respective areas. The aim of this study was to identify differences in coping strategies used by students during the pandemic in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Method: A cross-sectional survey approach was conducted among Indonesian college students. The data for the study were collected from students acquiring education at public/private Universities/Academies/Institutes spread throughout West Kalimantan Province in Indonesia. The sample size was 663 students, and the sampling strategies used a snowball technique. The Brief-COPE inventory was used to measure coping strategies. Results: The majority of the 663 students used adaptive coping (41.94 ±8.641). The mean score was highest for emotional support (6.44 ± 1.430) and active coping (6.10 ± 1.467), followed by religion (6.00 ± 1.394), with the lowest score for substance use (4.24 ± 1.368). We did not found significant differences between the sociodemographic subgroups except gender on subscales for religion, active cope, emotional support, and substance. Conclusion: Adaptive coping is more widely used by students in maintaining mental health than maladaptive coping. There were high scores on the subscales measuring the use of emotional support, active coping, and religion. Although many students use positive coping, students who use maladaptive coping need intervention from the campus, such as by providing online counseling services.

The Importance of Developing Online Counseling Services for Family Planning Programs in Indonesia

One of the reasons for the high of contraceptive acceptors drop out is the low number of contraceptive information received by clients. Indonesian Population Demographic Survey in 2017 stated that only 29% of women in Indonesia received contraceptive information including contraceptive side effects, how to deal with side effects, and alternative contraception that can be used. This is due to a limited number of family planning instructors, and a large number of tasks that health workers must carry out, especially midwives as the largest source of contraceptive services in Indonesia. The solution to overcome the low level of contraceptive information services is to build an online counseling service for family planning programs. Online counseling services based on digital technology are flexible and can be accessed by anyone who needs information. For this reason, this technology must be built on an evidence-based basis and a good reputation, so it is hoped that in addition to meeting the need for family planning information, it is also able to change behavior for the use of appropriate contraception.

The Importance of Developing Online Counseling Services for Family Planning Programs in Indonesia

The Importance of Developing Online Counseling Services for Family Planning Programs in Indonesia

Perbedaan Skor Anxiety antar User Konseling Online dengan Non-User Konseling Online di Sumatera Barat

Online counseling, or cyber counseling, or virtual counseling, is one of the new trends that has emerged since the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend is attached to teenagers aged 17 to 19 years who currently sit in college on average. Living side by side with technology, it is easy for them to keep up with these new developments. However, whether online counseling services, or cyber counseling, or virtual counseling, are able to reduce the most common anxiety symptoms that arise in individual mental health disorders. This type of research is a survey, which involves 172 students from XY University, West Sumatra which are divided into user and non-user groups of online counseling. Descriptive statistical analysis technique was used to see the difference in scores between the two groups. The results showed that the anxiety level in the online counseling user group was higher than the non-user group.Keywords: online counseling, anxiety scores, adolescents

Investigating the effect of online and offline reputation on the provision of online counseling services: A case study of the Internet hospitals in China

The sustainable development of Internet hospitals and e-health platforms relies on the participation of patients and physicians, especially on the provision of health counseling services by physicians. The objective of our study is to explore the factors motivating Chinese physicians to provide online health counseling services from the perspectives of their online and offline reputation. We collect the data of 141029 physicians from 6173 offline hospitals located in 350 cities in China. Based on the reputation theory and previous studies, we incorporate patients’ feedback as physicians’ online reputation and incorporate physicians’ offline professional status as physicians’ offline reputation. Results show that physicians’ online reputation significantly and positively influence their online counseling behaviors, whereas physicians’ offline reputation significantly and negatively influence their online counseling behaviors. We conclude that physician’s online and offline reputations show a competitive and substitute relationship rather than a complementary relationship in influencing physicians to provide online counseling services in Internet hospitals. One possible explanation for the substitute relationship could be the constraints of limited time and effort of physicians.Electronic Supplementary MaterialSupplementary material is available in the online version of this article at 10.1007/s42524-022-0198-0 and is accessible for authorized users.

Improving Students Learning Strategy Trough Mobile Counselling Online Application

This study aims to implement an online guidance and counselling service-based mobile counselling online application (MCO) to make it easier for students to recognize their learning potential and create effective learning strategies. Quantitative and qualitative data collection methods simultaneously compare the presence or absence of convergence, difference, or combination. The results of multivariate statistical analysis showed differences in self-efficacy and achievement between students who used online guidance and counselling services and those who used face-to-face guidance and counselling services. The MCO application results effectively increase the linkage of their learning potential with learning styles. They help develop, select, and plan effective learning strategies with individual and individual characteristics. The MCO application during the COVID-19 pandemic is an alternative for unlimited guidance and counselling services that can be anytime and with anyone.
 
 Received: 11 July 2022 / Accepted: 24 August 2022 / Published: 2 September 2022

Assessing and Responding to Suicide Risk in Children and Young People: Understanding Views and Experiences of Helpline Staff.

Introduction: Suicide is a key issue impacting children and young people. Helplines offer unique benefits, such as anonymity, varied communication avenues and low cost, which help to promote help-seeking behaviour. The aim of this study was to explore the views and experiences of helpline organisations of identifying, assessing, and managing suicide risk among children and young people. Methods: Thirteen professionals from three UK-based helplines and online counselling services took part in semi-structured interviews between November 2020 and January 2021 via Zoom. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Thematic Analysis. Results: Three superordinate themes were identified: (i) Starting conversations about suicide; (ii) Identifying and responding to “imminent” suicide risk; and (iii) Responses to suicide risk in relation to safeguarding. Limitations: Recruitment was limited by COVID-19 due to the demands needed from helplines at this time. Conclusions: Our findings highlight not only the different types and range of services helpline organisations offer to young people who might be at risk of suicide, but most importantly the distinct role they have in young people’s help-seeking pathway.

Pengaplikasian Diksi dan metode pembelajaran dalam Layanan Bimbingan Konseling Format Klasikal secara Daring

Education is one field that needs to adapt carefully in providing the learning process in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Guidance and Counseling services are part of education which also faces challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has created new problems for Guidance and Counseling Teachers in Bogor Regency. Therefore guidance and counseling services still need to be carried out effectively in the concept of distance learning using learning methods following the current pandemic conditions. In addition, diction in conveying information to students also needs to be a concern so that the service is felt to be effective and impacts positive and structured behavior change. Based on these needs, the community service team organizes activities to increase the insight and skills of BK teachers in online counseling services. The activity was carried out with the concept of a seminar taking into account health protocols, which was attended by 50 SMK BK teachers in Bogor Regency. The results of this activity indicate an increase in the understanding and skills of BK teachers in optimizing counseling services. BK teachers can vary the use of diction in communicating and use learning methods adapted to the class's characteristics so that learning is student-centered and more enjoyable within the framework of providing counseling services in a classical format

Innovative Media Mapping in Online Guidance and Counseling Services

Online learning is facing an obstacle caused mainly by a lack of students learning interests. The situation is worsening caused by only a few creative learning media in online education. The study aims to map the kinds of innovative media in guidance and counseling delivery. The research used mix method. The research activities are surveys and in-depth interviews. The number of the subject was ninety-four school counselors in senior high school. The result of the study is a map that shows the classification of media based on its characteristics. The study also describes the constraints faced by the teacher in school while developing and applying innovative learning media. The limitations are mainly caused by the availability of computer and internet connections in schools. Another constraint is that many school counselors cannot use technology to develop interactive guidance and counseling media. The recommendation from this study is to equip the school's counselors with computers and other tools and build their skills to use technology effectively.

The Effect of Social Isolation Types on Quality of Life during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

COVID-19 has caused a global pandemic that has spread rapidly to six continents, with over 2.5 million deaths from December 2019 to March 2021. The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is still growing worldwide, and quarantines have been recommended to prevent the disease’s spread. However, quarantines affect people’s quality of life (QOL). The aim of this study is to assess the effect of social isolation—quarantine—on QOL during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional, descriptive design was used in the present study. We obtained data from an online survey conducted in Saudi Arabia. We included a convenience sample of 775 participants in the study. Most of the participants were female (67%), with a mean age of 46 years ranging from 18 to 75 years. Many participants were government employees (n = 308, 39.7%) and had a bachelor’s degree or greater (n = 513, 66.2%). Most of the participants (n = 629, 81%) were free from any chronic disease. Nearly 88% of participants were partially isolated socially owing to COVID-19. Concerning QOL, the means of both the Physical Health Composite Scale and the Mental Health Composite Scale SF-12 scores were 44.7 and 34.6, respectively. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that partially socially isolated participants appeared to have significantly better physical health statuses (M = 44.96, SD = 5.90) than completely socially isolated participants (M = 42.87 ± 7.26). There was no significant social isolation effect on mental health status (t (773) = 2.5, p = 0.115). Social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic considerably influenced various aspects of QOL including physical and mental health. Community-based interventions such as online counseling services and wellness programs are required to reduce the pandemic’s negative impact and enhance overall health status and QOL.

Online Counseling: Advantages, Disadvantages and Ethical Issues

The present research aims to study some aspects of online counseling. More specifically, the possibilities, the difficulties, the effectiveness, as well as issues of ethics, which are raised through the internet practice, are being explored in the light of the mental health specialists that provide it. In addition, it is being examined the way in which covid-19 pandemic affected its demand. In order to conduct the research, a questionnaire was completed by 25 Greek experts who provide online counseling services. Then, their answers were quantified and compared with the data of the existing bibliography. The findings are in accordance with it on pros, cons, demand during the pandemic, and the effectiveness of online counseling compared to the in person one. However, a differentiation was observed, concerning the most prevailing way of conducting online counseling and the counselors’ perception of protection of their personal data. Restrictions such as the type of the sampling and the online giving of the questionnaire could affect the results of the research. Future studies could lead to further conclusions, by taking into account the findings and the limitations.

Student Voices on the COVID-19 Crisis: An Australian Christian Higher Education Study

The COVID-19 escalation of cases in Australia in March 2020 instigated a swift and comprehensive conversion of classroom instruction to online learning for all students and staff at Christian Heritage College (CHC), a private Higher Education Institution (HEI) in Brisbane. Technology integration exploded on “all fronts,” including online lectures, tutorials, student meetings, staff meetings, counseling services, devotions, and prayer meetings. This research examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the students of CHC and their reported sense of support in the areas of their faith, well-being, and academic progress. The study followed an exploratory research design that involved a mixed-methods approach and principles of “Appreciative Inquiry” (AI) during the process of data analysis. Data collection comprised an online survey (n = 124) and a qualitative interview subsample (n = 8) with the goal of painting a comprehensive picture of student experiences during the 2020 period of massive upheaval on campuses. The findings highlighted the importance of human connection in an online-dominated learning environment. Students rated meaningful communication with their peers and the CHC community members as being among the most critical factors for their sense of well-being. COVID-19 has provided HEIs with an opportunity to (re)examine their academic practices, student well-being support processes, and Christian faith imperatives to enable student flourishing into the future. By analyzing student learning experiences during the COVID-19 year retrospectively, this research adds to the understanding of institutional preparedness prospectively. Experiences and lessons conveyed in this article are useful for HEI policy and practice, thus serving the cause of Christian education in Australia and beyond.