University Counseling Research Articles

Mental Health Problems Among Graduate Students in Turkey: a Cross-Sectional Study.

In this study, depression/anxiety and academic distress were investigated among graduate students in Turkey. The study sample comprised 459 graduate students who voluntarily completed an online survey (294 women, 64%). Independent t-tests and multivariate analyses were performed to examine group differences. The results confirmed that depression/anxiety and academic distress scores varied according to sociodemographic variables. Whereas depression/anxiety and academic distress did not show significant differences in terms of gender and place of residence, students who had previously sought psychological help had higher levels of depression/anxiety and academic distress. Younger age, being a master's student, and being single increased the risk of having higher levels of depression/anxiety and academic distress. University counseling centers may benefit from these findings in efforts to identify graduate students at risk and apply appropriate prevention and intervention strategies.

Reach and uptake of digital mental health interventions based on cognitive-behavioral therapy for college students: A systematic review.

Mental health problems are increasing in prevalence among college students, yet few students receive treatment due to barriers such as insufficient resources in college counseling centers. Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) have potential to overcome barriers and offer accessible, evidence-based care to college students. However, to evaluate the true public health impact of evidence-based DMHIs, it is important to assess the reach and uptake rates of DMHIs on college campuses. We conducted a systematic review to examine the reach (i.e., % of invited students who express interest) and uptake (i.e., % of enrolled participants who initiate an intervention) of DMHIs based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for college students. Eight databases were searched. Inclusion criteria included: (1) college population; (2) experimental design; (3) CBT-based intervention; (4) intervention targeting specific mental health conditions; and (5) digital intervention. Reach and uptake rates were calculated from data reported. A systematic narrative review framework was used to synthesize results. Of 10,315 articles screened, 90 were included. Seventeen studies (19%) reported sufficient data to calculate reach; 35 studies (39%) reported uptake rates. Of studies that reported reach or uptake, most evaluated unguided (n = 20) or guided (n = 16) self-help programs. Measurement methods varied widely. Overall reach was low, whereas uptake was high among enrolled participants. Despite evidence that improving reach and uptake can increase the public health impact of DMHIs, most studies did not report on either outcome. Suggested practices to improve these outcomes, and their reporting, are discussed.

Risk scores in digital psychiatry: Expanding the reach of complex smartphone data by condensing it into simple results

As college counseling centers struggle to meet the growing demands of behavioral health services, digital mental health tools like smartphone apps offer a scalable solution to increase access to care. However, clinicians report greater time demands and uncertainty over how to act upon digital data. In this paper, by using established statistical techniques, we condense complex smartphone data into results that are quickly understood and clinically meaningful. Specifically, we show how smartphone digital phenotyping data collected by college students can be used to predict an individual’s anxiety and depression level on a daily or weekly basis with an error of less than 10%. These predictions are then condensed into a 1 to 5 scale with a 1 representing patients with the lowest risk of presenting high anxiety or depression, and a 5 representing the patients with the highest risk. If used in a clinical setting, these risk scores have the potential to help college counseling centers monitor symptom severity in real-time via students’ own smartphones, allocate resources more efficiently, and ensure that students are receiving the appropriate level of treatment.

Улучшение результатов обучения: роль самоэффективности при прогнозировании успеваемости студентов в условиях высшего образования

<p>Self-efficacy forms a major factor that influences many life aspects, as a result, it has been researched by many psychologists and educators worldwide from different perspectives. Embracing the context of Bandura’s Self- efficacy Theory as a theoretical framework, this quantitative empirical research paper introduces an overview of the role that self–efficacy plays in shaping higher education students’ academic achievement among a diverse group of college students. The diverse group comprises 374 students who took part in this research study and responded to the General Self–efficacy Scale (GSE) to disclose the perception of their self-efficacy and the ability to perform the required academic tasks. Multiple analysis techniques including <em>Descriptive analysis</em>, <em>Pearson Correlation Coefficient</em>, <em>t-test</em> for independent sample, and <em>Simple Linear Regression</em> were conducted to achieve the paper’s objectives. Data analysis demonstrated a strong positive correlation between students’ general self–efficacy and academic achievement. Moreover, students’ self–efficacy was found as a significant predictor of students’ academic achievement. Findings indicated that no gender-based differences in students’ general self-efficacy among higher education students. The discoveries of this research study can be implemented in instructional designing, curriculum development, and college counseling services to promote students’ academic achievement.</p>

The sum of competing parts: Religious and sexual identity disparities in therapist effectiveness.

The discussion of the influence of culture in psychotherapy is expanding to honor and incorporate the ways identities intersect within complex social systems. Some clients present for therapy with two or more identities that are in conflict, whereby the values or needs associated with different parts of the self are at odds. The resulting tension can be a significant driver of distress. This study sought to investigate therapist variability in facilitating change with clients depending on the interaction of their sexual orientation and the role of religion in their life (RR). We analyzed the depression scores of clients (n = 1,792) who received care at a university counseling center. After controlling for clients' pretherapy depression scores, the association between their sexual orientation and their posttherapy depression varied across therapists; however, the association between their RR and posttherapy depression did not. We also found that the association between the interaction of clients' sexual orientation and RR, and posttherapy depression varied across therapists. Therefore, some therapists had clients who experienced more or less change in their depression and that variability was predicted by the identity combinations clients endorsed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Assessing the Effects of Acceptance-commitment and Psychodrama Therapies in Nurses With Social Anxiety Disorder

Objectives: Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is one the most prevalent psychiatric disorders and generates severe negative effects on patients' mental, individual, and social health. Decreased responsibility, absenteeism, and poor life quality can be the consequences of this disorder. Considering the effective empirical background of both therapeutic approaches in reducing social anxiety symptoms and the lack of research on combining both interventions to reduce anxiety, this study was performed to determine the effects of acceptance-commitment therapy (ACT) and psychodrama therapy on nurses' social anxiety. Methods: This randomized trial research was conducted at Torbat Heydarieh University of Medical Sciences in 2017 with a pre-test-post-test design. A total of 48 nurses with SAD who were referred to the university counseling center were chosen at random and entered into 4 equal groups (12 subjects) (an intervention group and 3 control groups). The intervention group received a combination of psychodrama and ACT therapies in twelve 90-minute treatment sessions (2 meetings every week). The control groups were provided with psychodrama therapy, ACT, and no treatment. The study data were collected by Connor's social anxiety questionnaire (2000). The collected data were analyzed by analyses of variance and covariance. Results: A decrease was observed in the social anxiety scores in the four groups of the study after psychological therapies. The Mean±SD of the social anxiety score in the treatment group based on psychodrama was 64.75±13.37 before the study period and 49.08±6.71 after that. While in the ACT group, it was 59.65±12.21 and 42.66±8.05 before and after the study, respectively, and in the group provided with a combination of both therapies, it was 62.75±13.49 before the study period and 35.75±7.19 after that. A lack of significant difference (P=0.86) could be detected in the mean anxiety score in the group of control. However, the social anxiety score of the group with a combination of both therapies significantly decreased (P<0.001) compared to other studied control groups. Discussion: The data analysis showed that a combination of ACT and psychodrama therapies significantly reduced the social anxiety of nurses.

Are Campus Services Reaching Those in Need? Substance Use and Awareness of University Counseling Services

ABSTRACT Help-seeking is uncommon among college students with substance use concerns. Perceived access to services is associated with greater help-seeking behavior. This study identifies substance use-related risk factors associated with awareness of campus counseling services. College students aged 18 to 25 (N = 995) self-administered a web-based survey, reporting their demographics, substance use history, well-being, and counseling services available at their institution. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with awareness of services. Overall, 78% of students were aware of counseling services available at their institution. Full-time enrollment (p = .038) and better mental well-being (p = .025) were associated with greater odds of awareness of services. Early initiation of substance use (p = .003) and past month high-intensity drinking (p = .003) were associated with lower odds of awareness of services. Innovative strategies are needed to ensure campus counseling services reach students at risk for substance use-related problems.

Psychodynamic university counseling: which factors predict psychological functioning after intervention?

University counseling centers represent important resources for personal development, and students are increasingly turning to them for help. The present study aimed at, first, evaluating changing in psychological functioning before and after a university counseling intervention and, second, exploring which psychological variables predicted the intervention outcome. For this purpose, 122 students who attended university counseling services were administered measures to assess personality traits, and measures to assess state variables - intended as contextual, rather than stable, alterations in functioning - such as anxiety, hopelessness and depression. Several Linear Mixed Models were performed to measure the differences between OQ-45 scores before and after the intervention (one for each OQ dimension and OQ total score); then, two steps of multiple regression analyses were performed. Significative reductions between pre-test and post-test OQ-45 scores were found, highlighting increased levels of well-being; personality traits seem not to be predictive of the intervention outcome, while state variables significantly contribute to the psychological wellbeing improvement after counseling intervention. Our findings highlight the importance of paying attention to the role of affective difficulties in predicting the counseling effectiveness.

대학교 학생 상담센터 상담 전문직의 과학자-실무자 모델 역할 수행에 관한 현상학적 연구

Objectives This phenomenological study investigated role performance based on the scientist-practitioner model for counseling professionals in university student counseling centers. In this study, we aimed to clarify interactional effects between research and counseling as well as the detailed practice of the scientist-practitioner model.
 Methods Eight professional counselors participated in this study. Data was collected by conducting face-to-face in-depth interviews with the research participants. The in-depth interview period was conducted from July 25 to August 14, 2022. It took an average of 50 minutes, 3 times per study participant. Data were analyzed using a descriptive phenomenological research method proposed by Colaizzi(1978).
 Results Results 142 semantic units were constructed. From this, 21 sub-components and 6 components were derived from the commonality dimension of the experience of the research participants.The following results have been obtained: The research categories of ‘Learning Scientific Methodology’, ‘Fundamentals of Human Science’, and ‘Process of Creating a Knowledge Ecosystem’, and the counseling categories of ‘Culturing the ability to wait’, ‘Balanced responsibilities for counselees’, and ‘Counseling based on evidence’ were identified. Based on the results of the present study, the interaction between research and counseling, the fundamentals of human science, the process of creating a knowledge ecosystem, culturing the ability to wait, balanced responsibilities for counselees, and counseling based on evidence are discussed.
 Conclusions Specific recommendations are provided considering the implementation and development of the scientist-practitioner model in the counseling curriculum.

Behind the Scenes: Experiences of Multilingual Therapists and Trainees in U.S. University Counseling Centers

ABSTRACT As student bodies on college campuses in the United States (U.S.) continue to diversify, university counseling centers have begun to recognize the importance of hiring multilingual therapists and trainees to meet the needs of 66 million U.S. residents who speak languages other than English. The study used a qualitative approach to better understand the experiences of multilingual therapists and trainees working at university counseling centers in the U.S. Thirty-one participants (three men and 28 women; 27 senior staff and four trainees) completed an online survey with six open-ended questions. The following themes were identified: rewards and benefits of providing multilingual therapy, supervision experiences given, and organizational support provided to multilingual therapists. Senior staff participants also make suggestions for trainees who would like to practice multilingual therapy as well as support that agencies can offer to their multilingual therapists. Limitations, practical implications, and future research directions are discussed.

Social Support in College Students with ADHD Symptoms: Quantity Beats Quality in Moderating Impairment

ABSTRACT ADHD symptoms in emerging adult college students are associated with multiple impairments. Social support may buffer the relation between ADHD and impairment. Social support can be defined in terms of quantity or quality; more research is needed to better understand this distinction. Thus, the current study examined the moderating effect of social support quantity vs. quality on the relation between ADHD symptoms and impairment in college students. Our sample included 2,517 undergraduate students (75% women) in the United States who participated in an online survey. In a series of moderated regression analyses, we found that social support quantity (i.e. having a larger social network) served as a buffer of impairment, while social support quality (i.e. the depth and availability of individuals in the social circle) did not. This suggests that college students with ADHD symptoms may need to spread their social support needs among a larger group of people to receive the support they need. Clinically, college counseling centers should be aware of this, and tailor their interventions accordingly. Limitations and future directions are discussed.

Sudden gains and deteriorations: Modeling the impact across outcomes with university counseling center clients.

This study examines the longitudinal impact of sudden gains/deteriorations across the outcomes associated with the phase model. In a sample of 16,657 clients who completed the Behavioral Health Measure-20, we identified sudden gains/deteriorations and employed multilevel piecewise analyses to assess their impact on subsequent treatment phases. We found that: (1) Following a sudden gain in the well-being outcome, the mean-level for the symptom outcome increased (meaning symptoms improved), and the rate of change decreased, (2) Following a sudden gain in the symptom outcome, the mean-level for the life functioning outcome increased, (3) Following a sudden deterioration in the well-being outcome, the mean-level and rate of change for the symptom outcome decreased, and (4) Following a sudden deterioration in the symptom outcome, the mean-level for the life functioning outcome decreased. These findings reveal that sudden gains/deteriorations function and occur at different rates across phases of change in psychotherapy.

A comparison of treatment response between college students with and without suicide risk at university counseling centers

This study aims to explore the effect of University Counseling Center (UCC) treatment in a nationally representative sample of 101,354 college students with suicide risk variables (i.e. recent suicidal ideation (SI), recent SI and history of suicide attempts (SA), history of SA) as compared to those without suicide risk seeking services from 160 UCCs. Time Varying Effects Modeling was used to assess changes in distress level and SI over the course of up to 20 sessions of treatment among students with the aforementioned risk variables compared to those without. Reductions in distress and SI were observed in all students with the most significant change seen in the first five sessions. Students with recent SI and no history of attempts seem to achieve comparable amount of improvement to students without suicide risks. Presence of suicide attempt history appears to limit the prognosis. These results entail that students with a history of SA whose levels of risk and chronicity of symptoms may require more treatment and be better managed with alternative forms of treatment.

Counseling Center and Therapist Effects on Changes in Suicidal Ideation among College Students Receiving Services on Campus: Comparisons across International Status, Race, Gender, and Sexual Orientation

Objective Examine center- and therapist-level factors that may impact suicide ideation outcomes for college students with minoritized identities. Method Data were drawn from a 2015–2017 data set collected from 136 university counseling centers that were part of the Center for Collegiate Mental Health. This study used a three-level model in hierarchical linear modeling with clients (Level 1; N = 122,212), clients nested in therapists (Level 2; N = 2,574), and therapists nested in counseling centers (Level 3; N = 120). Results Racially/ethnically minoritized students were 20%, LGBQ + students were 100% more likely, and women students were 20% less likely to have suicidal ideation at the first session, compared to White, male, heterosexual domestic students. LGBQ + students were 20%, and international students were 50% more likely to have suicidal ideation in the last session, compared to White, male, heterosexual domestic students. Cross-level interactions revealed that when therapists had a higher percentage of international students on their caseload, international students had decreased suicidal ideation. Similarly, when therapists had a higher percentage of male students on their caseload, their male students had decreased suicidal ideation. Conclusions Findings from this study support the importance of experience and competence in working with minoritized students, as therapists who had more international and men students on their caseload fared better in decreasing the suicide ideation of respective students. This suggests that continued exposure to the unique challenges faced by particular minoritized groups of college students can enhance the quality of care delivered by therapists.

Mental Health Practitioners' and Young People's Experiences of Talking About Social Media During Mental Health Consultations: Qualitative Focus Group and Interview Study.

Increasing concerns among mental health care professionals have focused on the impact of young people's use of digital technology and social media on their mental well-being. It has been recommended that the use of digital technology and social media be routinely explored during mental health clinical consultations with young people. Whether these conversations occur and how they are experienced by both clinicians and young people are currently unknown. This study aimed to explore mental health practitioners' and young people's experiences of talking about young people's web-based activities related to their mental health during clinical consultations. Web-based activities include use of social media, websites, and messaging. Our aim was to identify barriers to effective communication and examples of good practice. In particular, we wanted to obtain the views of young people, who are underrepresented in studies, on their social media and digital technology use related to mental health. A qualitative study was conducted using focus groups (11 participants across 3 groups) with young people aged 16 to 24 years and interviews (n=8) and focus groups (7 participants across 2 groups) with mental health practitioners in the United Kingdom. Young people had experience of mental health problems and support provided by statutory mental health services or third-sector organizations. Practitioners worked in children and young people's mental health services, statutory services, or third-sector organizations such as a university counseling service. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Practitioners and young people agreed that talking about young people's web-based activities and their impact on mental health is important. Mental health practitioners varied in their confidence in doing this and were keen to have more guidance. Young people said that practitioners seldom asked about their web-based activities, but when asked, they often felt judged or misunderstood. This stopped them from disclosing difficult web-based experiences and precluded useful conversations about web-based safety and how to access appropriate web-based support. Young people supported the idea of guidance or training for practitioners and were enthusiastic about sharing their experiences and being involved in the training or guidance provided to practitioners. Practitioners would benefit from structured guidance and professional development to enable them to support young people in feeling more willing to disclose and talk about their web-based experiences and their impact on their mental health. This is reflected in practitioners' desire for guidance to improve their confidence and skills to safely support young people in navigating the challenges of the web-based world. Young people want to feel comfortable discussing their web-based activities during their consultations with mental health practitioners, both in tackling the challenges and using the opportunity to discuss their experiences, gain support, and develop coping strategies related to web-based safety.

The impact of psychological distress and university counselling on academic outcomes: Analysis of a routine practice‐based dataset

AbstractWhole university approaches to student mental health and well‐being increasingly involve university counselling and mental health services (UCMHSs) as key stakeholders in higher education and the fulfilment of good academic outcomes. However, previous research using routine outcome measures has focussed on psychological distress only. Research is needed to demonstrate the value of university counselling on academic outcomes. This study aimed at profiling the psychological distress of a student sample according to the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation—Outcome Measure (CORE‐OM); measuring the change in perceived impact of problems on academic outcomes, and measuring the perceived impact of counselling on academic outcomes. Students from two UK university counselling services completed the CORE‐OM and the Counselling Impact on Academic Outcomes (CIAO) questionnaire as part of routine practice. After counselling, 67.4% (n = 323) of students with planned endings to counselling showed at least reliable improvement on the CORE‐OM. Significant reductions in the perceived impact of problems on all academic outcomes were also found. On average, 83% (n = 398) of students found counselling helpful for academic outcomes to at least a limited extent. University counselling was found to reduce psychological distress and the impact of problems on academic outcomes. Psychometric examination of the CIAO tool is warranted to strengthen its use. The need for robust data across UCMHSs is demonstrated by both the strengths and limitations of this study.

Empowering TNBGE and QTBIPOC Students through Clinical Group Practice in University Settings

Increasing visibility of transgender, nonbinary, and gender expansive (TNBGE) people in the United States and in higher education has coincided with a call for more affirming and appropriate mental health services. Group therapy has been connected to positive outcomes for college students, but appears less available to or less popular among TNBGE students. This article will summarize the history of feminist, queer, and trans theories, feminist group therapy, and therapeutic groups for TNBGE people. Recommendations for facilitating TNBGE groups will be presented, drawing from the work of three queer university counseling clinicians with collective experience in facilitating LGBTQ + and exclusively TNBGE groups using queer, trans, and multicultural feminist theories. Considerations for facilitating LGBTQ + groups for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) will also be included, based on relevant literature and clinical experience. Limitations of the authors’ perspectives and recommendations will be outlined, as well as future directions for research and practice.

Studi Deskriptif Kebahagiaan pada Mahasiswa Baru

Ideally freshmen can adjust to the academic demands of higher education. In addition, freshmen also need to adjust to life as a student university. The inability to adjust in the early days of being a student university has the potential to cause psychological conditions that are not conducive, so that freshmen tend to be at a low level of happiness. This condition if left unchecked can reduce academic achievement and ineffectiveness in living life. The purpose of this research is to describe the happiness of freshmen. This research involved 314 freshmen of the Faculty of Education, Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP) as respondents. The research instrument used is the Happiness Scale. Analysis of the research data used is quantitative descriptive analysis. The results of this study indicate that overall the average value of the happiness level of freshmen is 54.94 with an ideal score of 80. Furthermore, the percentage value of freshmen happiness is 68.67%. This shows that the happiness level of freshmen is in the high category. Furthermore, demographic data on the happiness level of freshmen shows that freshmen of the Guidance and Counseling Study Program are at the highest level of happiness compared to freshmen of other study programs at the Faculty of Education UNP, while the freshmen of the Teacher Education for Early Childhood Education Study Program is at the lowest level of happiness. University counseling centers have an important role in increasing the happiness of freshmen through proper counseling services.

The Switch to Online Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Interplay between Personality and Mental Health on University Students

The switching from traditional to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic was challenging for students, determining an increase in physical and mental health problems. The current paper applied a two-step cluster analysis in a large sample of n = 1028 university students (Mage = 21.10 years, SD = 2.45 years; range: 18-30 years; 78.4% females). Participants responded to an online survey exploring neuroticism, trait/state anxiety, general self-efficacy, academic motivation, fear of COVID-19, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical and mental health, and the help requests. Results showed two significant clusters of students having a Maladaptive Academic Profile (n = 456; 44.4%) or an Adaptive Academic Profile (n = 572; 55.6%). Significant differences were found between the two clusters, where students belonging to the Maladaptive Academic Profile reported higher levels of neuroticism, higher dispositional and situational anxiety, and fear of COVID-19, and lower self-efficacy and academic motivation than students of the Adaptive Academic Profile cluster. In addition, more physical or mental health problems and help requests, mainly to partners during the COVID-19 pandemic, were found in the Maladaptive Academic Profile cluster compared to the Adaptive Academic Profile. Finally, the practical implications of the study's results in implementing university counseling services as protective measures to contrast psychological distress in the long-term COVID-19 pandemic are discussed.

Implementation of Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy in a University or College Counseling Setting: A Case Study

ABSTRACT This article explores the implementation of Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO DBT) in a University or College Counseling Setting (UCCS). The authors review the rationale for including RO DBT in a UCCS and the process of implementing the treatment at their center. This paper evaluates this newly implemented treatment by examining clinician experience, feasibility, and adaptability of RO DBT including Words of Wisdom regarding future implementations of RO DBT in a UCCS.