School Psychology Research Articles

Effect of client-centred and reality therapies on the coping strategies of sexually harassed students in tertiary institutions in Taraba State, Nigeria

This study examined the effects of client-centred and reality therapies on the coping strategies of sexually harassed students in tertiary institutions in Taraba State, Nigeria. It also attempted to find out the gender difference in the effect of client-centred and reality therapies on the coping strategies of sexually harassed students. We employed a quasi-experimental and pretest-posttest design with a control group. The statistical population comprised all 250 sexually harassed students in tertiary institutions, out of which 20 students were selected using convenience sampling. The students who had been sexually harassed were then randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. The experimental group subsequently underwent six 60-minute sessions of client-centred and reality therapies, while the control group received placebo treatment on drug abuse. The research tool included sexual harassment battery (SHB). Inferential statistics of analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyze the data. Cronbach Alpha coefficient was used to estimate the reliability coefficient of 0.79 for the SHB. The following findings were recorded: (i) client-centred and reality therapies had effectively increased the coping strategies of students, and (ii) there is no significant mean difference between male and female students in the effectiveness of client-centred and reality therapies on coping strategies of students. Based on the findings, the following recommendations were made: school counsellors, psychologists, and lecturers should use both CCT (client-centred therapy) and RT (reality therapy) to help students who have been sexually harassed to manage their condition since the intervention is effective in raising the coping strategies of the students. School counsellors, psychologists, and lecturers should give female and male students equal opportunities during therapy sessions and in the school setting.

The Relationship Between Self-Care Behaviors and Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in School Psychology Graduate Students

The Relationship Between Self-Care Behaviors and Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in School Psychology Graduate Students

The Shortage of School Psychology Faculty in the Aftermath of the COVID-19 Pandemic

A shortage of school psychology trainers hinders efforts to increase the supply of school psychologists entering the field, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on employment trends in general have the potential to worsen the shortage of school psychology faculty. The goal of this research brief is to report on the results of a survey designed to understand the factors associated with successful school psychology faculty searches in the 2021–2022 academic year. A survey was distributed to representatives from 86 programs looking for new faculty, with a total of 31 responses received. Overall, 74% of programs searching for new faculty in 2021–2022 were successful, but this overall rate varied greatly based on the type of program and position being searched for, with positions placing a greater emphasis on teaching and university service responsibilities than on research being filled at a much lower rate. Impact Statement The school psychology trainer shortage presents a challenge in helping the field of school psychology to meet personnel shortages. The present survey was designed to better understand the shortage of trainers and the large number of open positions in the 2021–2022 academic year. Understanding the program and position characteristics associated with successful job searches can help to structure future research and policy discussions about the shortage of school psychology trainers.

Effects of portable interventions on school psychologists' graph-rating inconsistency.

The visual analysis of data presented in time-series graphs are common in single-case design (SCD) research and applied practice in school psychology. A growing body of research suggests that visual analysts' ratings are often influenced by construct-irrelevant features including Y-axis truncation and compression of the number of data points per X- to Y-axis ratio. We developed and tested two brief interventions, based on the research in cognitive and visual science, to reduce visual analysts' inconsistency when viewing unstandardized graphs. Two hundred practicing school psychologists visually analyzed data presented on standardized graphs and the same data again on unstandardized graphs. Across all conditions, participants were more willing to identify meaningful effects on unstandardized graphs and rated the data as showing significantly larger effects than on the corresponding standardized graphs. However, participants who answered additional (task-relevant) questions about the level or trend of graphed data showed greater rating consistency across the types of graphs in comparison to participants who answered task-irrelevant but challenging questions or control participants. Our results replicated prior research demonstrating the impact of SCD graph construction on practicing school psychologists' interpretations and provide initial support for an intervention to minimize the impact of construct-irrelevant factors. Limitations and future directions for research are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

A bioecological systems review of ethical practice in educational and school psychology

ABSTRACT This narrative scoping review examines ethical practice in educational and school psychology from a bioecological systems’ perspective. A search of four databases yielded 34 articles in the final narrative synthesis. Informed by Bronfenbrenner and Morris’ bioecological systems theory, the ethical experiences of educational and school psychologists were analyzed using the concepts of Process, Person, Context and Time. The complexity, intensity and frequency of ethical dilemmas are reviewed in Process. The demand, resource, and force characteristics impacting on psychologists as Person are reviewed. Within Context, studies identified dilemmas that arose for psychologists across systems. In Time, issues including implications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on psychologists’ ethical practice with the emergence of Artificial Intelligence are examined. This paper demonstrates the synergies and the interrelated influences on psychologists’ ethical practices arising from a systematic review of their experiences and their professional training needs.

Ethical dilemmas experienced by school psychologists in South Africa

ABSTRACT School psychologists often face complex ethical and legal issues in their work, which become more challenging as the needs of students and school systems evolve. When faced with ethical dilemmas, it can be difficult for school psychologists to determine the best course of action, particularly when there is no clear solution. This study explored the ethical dilemmas experienced by psychologists working in South African schools in the Western Cape. The aim was to understand the ethical landscape in which they operate. The research was conducted through semi-structured telephone interviews with 16 participants, who shared 58 ethical dilemmas they had experienced. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, identifying six themes: confidentiality, role definition, assessments and reports, workload, consent, and scope of practice. Participants utilized various strategies to manage dilemmas, such as relying on professional codes, setting boundaries, seeking supervision, and prioritizing the child’s best interests. The study highlights the complex context in which school psychologists navigate ethical issues and their impact on the types of dilemmas they face. Finally, suggestions are provided for training and practical application.

Socio-ecological bases of personality formation in the family-school space

Relevance. Nowadays, families are actively engaging with schools and educators, communicating with educational institutions, including school management, teachers, psychologists, and social and special educators. However, the impact of this interaction on child development have not been sufficiently studied. Purpose. The need to study the process of interaction between family and school and to reveal the socio-ecological foundations of the child's personality formation within this interaction defines the research aim: to reveal aspects of personality formation in the family-school space and provide ways to optimise it. Methodology. To achieve this goal, the methods of analysis and synthesis, data systematisation, comparison, deduction and induction were used. Results. The study reveals the views of scholars on family-school interaction, describes models and approaches to family-school interaction, and identifies the most effective ones. The possibilities of family and school interaction in the framework of distance learning are described. The main aspects of the development of a child with special educational needs in the family-school space and the peculiarities of family-school interaction in inclusive education are described. The influence of the educational institution, as well as the influence of the family on the educational process and the formation of the child as a personality is analysed. On this basis, the contradictions that may arise in the interaction of family and school are considered. Conclusions. It has been determined that family-school interaction plays a crucial role in shaping a child's personality. The results of the study can be used by the management of educational institutions to improve the interaction between school and family, as well as by parents to understand the importance of their active participation in the educational process and to understand their influence on the formation of their children's personalities. Keywords: interaction; upbringing; parent-pedagogical interaction; cooperation; individual development; parental education

Research Productivity and Publishing Trends in Publicly Funded Social Work and Psychology Schools in India: A Bibliometric Analysis

There is a growing emphasis on research across disciplines, and higher educational institutions’ research productivity (RP) is a matter of serious consideration. However, a knowledge gap exists in RP in research productivity in social science disciplines in India. In this context, the present study aimed to (1) understand the RP of social work and psychology schools at publicly funded central universities (CU) in India, (2) evaluate the RP and research impacts of faculty members in these schools, and (3) identify the publishing trends and patterns in social work and psychology disciplines. Using the Scopus database, we collected bibliometric information on publications of 19 social work and 16 psychology schools and their faculty members. The results indicate that schools’ research productivity remained unpromising, constituting many faculty members (Social work 51.08%; Psychology 43.4%) with no publications. Although the average RP of social work ( M = 16.0, SD = 17.40) and psychology ( M = 45.63, SSD = 61.08) schools differed, the difference was not statistically significant ( t = 1.88, p = .078). An increase in the publication was evident after 2016, indicating positive-policy impacts. A difference in RP across professional ranks was evident for social work ( p < .05) but not for psychology ( p > .05). For research impact, a difference existed based on ranks for academicians from psychology only ( p < .05). Publications in high-impact journals and an output of international collaborations remained low in both disciplines. Implications point to developing appropriate workshops and training to provide hands-on experience to improve quality research among academicians. Further policy changes are also essential to enhance research culture and productivity.

Supplemental Material for Effects of Portable Interventions on School Psychologists’ Graph-Rating Inconsistency

Supplemental Material for Effects of Portable Interventions on School Psychologists’ Graph-Rating Inconsistency

School shooting: are psychiatrists capable of preventing tragedies?

Armed attacks with numerous victims committed in educational institutions of various levels, mainly (but not always) with the use of firearms, have received the generic name “school shooting”, and attackers are most often called “school shooters”. The United States is the leader in the prevalence of mass murders in educational institutions, although these tragic incidents also occur in other countries, and their number shows a tendency to constantly increase. Since any murder is an abnormal phenomenon, the question of the mental health of school shooters naturally arises. Research shows that not all assailants show symptoms of mental disorders; the most common cause of armed attacks is bullying and the desire to take revenge on offenders for cruel humiliation. In cases where a mental disorder is still diagnosed, not all students, as well as their family members, agree to receive psychiatric care. The prevention of armed attacks must be carried out by the efforts of school counsellors and school psychologists with the possible involvement of psychiatrists, although the potential of psychiatric care in the prevention of school murders, according to the authors of the article, is quite limited.

ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНАЯ МЕТОДИКА САМОИДЕН-ТИФИКАЦИИ ХАРАКТЕРОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ТИПОВ

This article discusses an experimental method of self-identification of characterological types, which is a high-potential diagnostic tool for educational psychologists. The use of this technique allows to significantly reduce the time required for diagnostics and, consequently, to pay more attention directly to the counseling and correctional-developmental process. In modern psychological science the study of characterological features and their connection with human behavior is one of the key directions in the field of psycho-diagnostics. Characterological type is a complex of psychological traits that influence people's behavior and their interaction with others. Understanding of the characterological type allows predict-ing emotional reactions, communication styles and scripted forms of behavior in stressful situations, which, in turn, allows the school psychologist to effectively conduct corrective-developmental activities and individual counseling of all participants of the educational process. The experimental technique of self-identification of characterological can significantly optimize the diagnostic process and improve the quality of counseling and corrective-developmental work. Further research in this direction will make it possible to im-prove the methodology and expand its application in the education-al sphere.

Trends and Challenges in School Psychology Research:

Trends and Challenges in School Psychology Research:

Pilot Evaluation of the POWER Program: Positive Outcomes with Emotion Regulation

The Positive Outcomes With Emotion Regulation (POWER) Program is a transdiagnostic intervention for adolescents at risk of developing emotional disorders. The POWER Program was designed to be implemented in secondary schools, by school personnel with or without specialized mental health training, as a Tier 2 intervention. In this pilot study, the POWER Program was implemented by school psychologists and school psychologists-in-training and evaluated across four focal student participants using a multiple-baseline-across-participants single-case design. Program efficacy was assessed using systematic direct classroom observations of student negative affect and social engagement as well as student and caregiver ratings of emotional and behavioral symptoms. Program usability was assessed through rating scales completed by intervention facilitators and student participants. Overall, results provide evidence of the POWER Program’s small- to large-sized effects on students’ emotional and behavioral functioning as observed in the classroom and self-reported by students. In addition, results suggest implementation facilitators’ and students’ positive impressions of the program, evident in ratings of high understanding, feasibility, and acceptability across groups. Study limitations are highlighted with attention to opportunities to further refine and evaluate the POWER Program.

Moving School Psychology Beyond the Clouds of Injustice: A Blue Sky Discussion

This paper based on the opening address for the 2023–2024 School Psychology Futures Conference, reflects on contemporary inequities in school psychology practice, research, and graduate education. Challenges as the profession reckons with its oppressive past are highlighted. Drawing on concepts from liberation psychology, critical school psychology, and the psychology of radical healing, the author presents a vision for school psychology’s reimagined future with steps that can be executed across all levels (e.g., practice, research, graduate education, advocacy and leadership). In order to imagine a new future for school psychology, we must not repeat the mistakes of our past and instead demonstrate cultural humility, center marginalized communities, and embrace anti-oppressive and liberatory approaches. This will allow school psychology to meet its potential and become a profession that effectively serves ALL children and youth. Impact Statement The 2023–2024 School Psychology Futures Conference had an intentional focus on examining school psychology from a social justice lens. This article critically examines contemporary and historical inequities in school psychology to identify mistakes of the past and applies concepts from liberation psychology, critical school psychology, and the psychology of radical healing to describe a more just future for the profession.

School psychologists’ training to support inclusive education in Portugal: Trainers’ perspectives of opportunities, challenges, and improvements

School psychologists can support schools in implementing inclusive practices. In Portugal, the Decree-Law 54/2018 has set the country on the path to inclusive education based on whole-school approaches. This policy shift demands a change in school psychologists’ practices to be agents for systems change versus traditional roles (such as assessing and counseling students). An e-learning training course was developed and implemented by nine psychologists through a partnership between the Ministry of Education and the Portuguese Psychology Association, focused on the Multi-tiered Systems of Support framework for constructing inclusive schools. The main aim was to empower school psychologists to support adequate, inclusive, and multi-tiered intervention responses in their schools, resourcing a collaborative and supervised approach. From all Portuguese regions, 327 psychologists participated in the training from October 2020 to April 2021. This article focuses on the trainers’ experiences of training, collected through a focus group, reflecting on the challenges, opportunities, and necessary improvements for future training in school psychologists in Portugal on this topic. Trainers have identified organizational and pedagogical aspects as critical to the training delivery and quality that should be addressed in future training courses for school psychologists.

School psychologists' training and experience in providing grief support

AbstractSchool‐based mental health professionals consistently report that they are either not prepared to support grieving students, or do not have time to integrate crisis intervention support into their hectic schedule. Given that inadequate school mental health services can increase a bereaved student's risk of developing emotional problems, it is critical that school psychologists increase their comfort in grief. This study surveyed 75 school psychologists in the Northwestern United States regarding their training and experience in grief support. A reflexive thematic analysis identified four themes related to the challenges and recommendations in grief support: lack of training, limited role of the school psychologist, lack of formalized grief response system, and lack of school and community resources. Furthermore, only 3% of participants reported taking the lead in providing grief support and 64% provide grief support fewer than five times a year. The majority (81%) reported that they had zero courses devoted to grief support during their graduate degree, with more participants (67%) obtaining grief training postdegree. Study limitations, areas for further research, and implications for schools and school psychologists are also discussed.

Interparental violence and school bullying among Nigerian adolescents: Moderating role of psychological resilience

BackgroundDespite the widespread prevalence of bullying, a public health issue, there is limited understanding of factors that propel or reduce bullying behaviors among adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa. ObjectiveThis research aims to investigate how psychological resilience moderates the association between exposure to interparental violence and bullying among adolescents in secondary schools. Participants and settingsA sample of 609 (297 males and 312 females) senior secondary school students (Mean Age = 16.44, SD = 1.64, age range = 13–20 years) drawn from four schools in Nsukka, Nigeria. MethodsBullying was conceptualized and measured with its two dimensions namely, victimization and perpetration. Data was collected using the Peer Interactions in Primary School Questionnaire, Resilience Evaluation Scale, and Children's Perception of Interparental Conflict Scale, which was analysed using Pearson correlation and Hayes PROCESS Macro. ResultsResults indicated that interparental violence was positively associated with victimization (B = 0.07, p < 0.001) and perpetration (B = 0.07, p < 0.001), while psychological resilience was positively associated with perpetration (B = 0.09, p < 0.05) but not victimization (B = 0.02). Additionally, results showed that psychological resilience moderated the association of interparental violence with victimization (B = 0.01, p < 0.01) and perpetration (B = 0.01, p < 0.001) such that the positive association between interparental violence, victimization, and perpetration became stronger as levels of psychological resilience increased. ConclusionThe study concludes that exposure to interparental violence is a potentially strong risk factor for bullying and should be taken into consideration by school psychologists and other stakeholders to reduce bullying behaviors among students.

Advice on suicide prevention, for parents, from pediatricians and school psychologists

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends pediatricians and health professionals screen for suicidal ideation and risk factors of suicide, and focused on this in a clinical report published in January: Suicide and Suicide Risk in Adolescents.

Availability and Perceived Importance of High-Impact Practices for Psychology Graduate Program Admission

Background: Participation in high-impact practices (HIPs) is related to student success and development. Less is known about whether HIPs can increase students’ chances of getting into graduate school in psychology. High-impact practice participation might be one strategy for students to stand out in the competitive graduate school admission process. Objective: We examined (a) the perceived availability of HIPs and (b) the perceived role that HIP participation plays in psychology graduate program admission success. Method: A total of 81 U.S. psychology professors who are involved in graduate program admission decisions rated the availability, importance, and influence of HIPs and non-HIPs (e.g., GPA) on psychology graduate program admission success. Results: Many HIPs are widely available. Of all HIPs, only undergraduate research was rated as very important and strongly increases admission chances. Participation in honors, writing-intensive courses, and applied experiences slightly increased admission chances. Conclusion: Research continues to be the most beneficial HIP when applying to graduate programs in psychology. Non-HIPs (e.g., grades, letters of recommendation) are more important in graduate program admission than most HIPs. Teaching Implications: Students, academic advisors, and faculty mentors can use the results of this study to align students’ HIP participation with postgraduation goals.

Adopting global perspectives in school psychology.

This introduction to the special issue on global perspectives frames the collection of articles around recent calls for expanding the focus of research in psychology in general, and school psychology specifically, beyond Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic countries and cross-cultural comparisons with non-Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic Confucian East Asian countries (cf. individualistic vs. collectivist societies; see Krys et al., 2024), while neglecting populations in Latin American, Eastern Europe, Africa, Middle East, South Asia, and Oceania. The articles in this issue represent research from China, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Malaysia, Ukraine, Vietnam, and the United States and address topics as diverse as teacher consultation, implementation science, adapting evidence-based interventions, parent-teacher and teacher-child relationships, bullying, behavior management, school climate and equity, resilience during war, newcomer immigrants, refugee status in transit countries, and social media use. Research methods represented in this issue include correlational, case study, comparative (cross-country), mixed methods, and participatory approaches. We hope that the articles in this internationally focused collection heighten school psychologists' knowledge of and interest in a world where science and practice expand beyond borders, and that the global-intercultural perspective represented herein can facilitate collaboration across cultures and contexts as we advocate for the rights and well-being of each child. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).