Education Commons^™

Conjoint Behavioral Consultation: Application To The School-Based Treatment Of Anxiety Disorders, Elana R. Bernstein, Thomas R. Kratochwill, Kelly A. Feeney-Kettler

Counselor Education and Human Services Faculty Publications

In the current paper we discuss the treatment of childhood anxiety disorders using a problem-solving consultation framework. The role of consultation as a service delivery model in a school setting is elaborated on, as well as the contribution that consultation has in the movement towards evidence-based practices in school psychology. Additionally, a description of the role of consultation specifically in the treatment of childhood anxiety is provided. The role of parents and teachers in treatment is further elucidated, and the separate influence each may have on traditional treatment outcomes is presented. Finally, we discuss the benefits of using a conjoint …

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder In Children And Adolescents, Mary R. Driscoll

Graduate Research Papers

Post-traumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents has only been researched for the past fifteen to twenty years. Despite the estimates from state and local child protective services that approximately 896,000 children were victims of child abuse or neglect in 2002 (National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect, 2002), the vast majority of research and techniques used in the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents has stemmed from research focused on adults. This report will provide a summary of current perspectives on the definition, assessment, and treatment of PTSD in adolescents.

The Effects Of Bullying On Elementary Students, Renee E. Bullerman

Graduate Research Papers

Bullying is an ever-present problem occurring within elementary schools across the world. Bullying creates personal, social and emotional, as well as academic problems for the victim. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the various interventions that are implemented in elementary schools in order to combat the effects of bullying. Internal and external characteristics of victims, bullies, and bystanders will be identified. Gender differences related to bullying will be described, as well the effects bullying has on elementary students. Finally, numerous interventions aimed at reducing the effects of bullying will be discussed.

Child Sexual Abuse, Anna Maria Opperman

Graduate Research Papers

Reports of child sexual abuse are increasing in the nation and the state of Iowa. Negative effects of child sexual abuse include low self-esteem, contracting sexually transmitted diseases, promiscuity, pregnancy, psychological disorders, eating disorders, and suicide. According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (2006), two out of every one thousand children in the country have experienced sexual abuse. The author will describe the types of sexual abuse, the abuse process, characteristics of offenders, and manifestations of child sexual abuse. Possible treatment for victims will also be addressed.

Spirituality And Counseling : An Integration Into Practice, Nikole D. Paulie

Graduate Research Papers

Mental health counselors have traditionally practiced the idea of separation, not integration, in regards to the exploration and use of spirituality in the counseling setting. Research and shifting trends have shown spirituality is not only important to clientele, but these clients also express a desire to incorporate their spirituality into counseling. Through enforcing appropriate competencies and guidelines, incorporating spirituality has proven effective within clinical settings. Counselors who do desire to integrate spirituality into counseling have limited resources available for guidance.

The purpose of this paper is three fold, to provide rationale for the integration of spirituality in counseling, discuss important …

Online Counseling : Effectiveness, Benefits, Roadblocks, And Ethical Dilemmas, Julia Aguilar Reyes

Graduate Research Papers

This paper provides an overview of online counseling and new technologies in the counseling field. Online counseling is defined. Forms of online counseling are analyzed finding that email and instant messaging have become the most widely used methods for counseling purposes. A review of computer technologies and counseling history from the 1950s to today is also examined. Finally, the author presents an overview of the current literature regarding effectiveness studies and the ethical and moral dilemmas that new technologies pose for the future.

Sufficient research is lacking, but a variety of studies provide evidence of the effectiveness of online counseling. …

The High Cost Of Bullying, Ramona J. Schmidt

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to understand there are not simple solutions towards prevention of bullying. Anti-bullying programs are being implemented throughout the world, and their effectiveness will depend on the commitment of those involved. Bullying is about power; an imbalance of power. Bullying occurs when an individual intentionally inflicts pain on someone else through physical, verbal, or social aggression. Characteristics of the victim and the bully are reviewed along with consequences of each role. Interventions, such as Social Skills Training (SST) as well as empowerment strategies targeting the victims of bullying are useful. But the most effective method …

The Role Of Emotional Intelligence In Counseling Bilingual Latinos Who Avoid Expressing Or Experiencing Emotions, Mayra A. Montalvo

Graduate Research Papers

A review of literature on the role of emotional intelligence in counseling bilingual Latinos who avoid expressing or experiencing emotions reveals that language, gender, ethnicity, religion, and family structure influence emotion usage. The two constructs, emotional intelligence and multiculturalism, offered a framework for understanding cultural and contextual factors in cross-cultural client-counselor relationships, redefining resistance from a multicultural standpoint, and possible therapeutic interventions that take into account the cultural influences and beliefs of Latinos on the mental health system.

Understanding The Mind-Body Connection For Optimal Health And Healing, Molly M. Cretsinger

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of the research paper is to understand how a person's attitudes and beliefs shape their life and influence their health and healing. It is fundamental for someone in the helping profession to gain insight into the role of love, faith, hope, and forgiveness in overall health and healing. The key to health and healing is to understand, accept, and believe in the notion of control over one's thinking and the ability to be who one chooses to be. Every day and every thought is a choice. It is crucial for health and overall wellness that individuals take responsibility …

Caregiver Burden And Coping Responses For Females Who Are The Primary Caregiver For A Family Member Living With Hiv/Aids In Kenya, Veronica Kimemia

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Caring for a family member who is ill can be a draining experience (Cooper et al., 2006; Daire, 2002; Zarit et al, 1980). Providing care for a family member that is living with HIV/AIDS is potentially even more stressful because of social meanings associated with HIV/AIDS infection (Stajduhar, 1998) and the contagious nature of the HIV virus (Powell-Cope & Brown, 1992). Research indicates that most caregivers are female (Bunting, 2001; Songwathana, 2000). In Africa women bear the brunt of the burden of providing care for family members who are living with HIV/AIDS (Mushonga, 2001; Olenja, 1999). This study examined coping …

Cyberbullying: A Workshop For Parents, Erin Jackson

Graduate Research Papers

There are many advantages to the new technology that is flooding the American way of life. However, with the good also comes the bad. Cyber-bullying is one example of the negative side of our ever-changing technology. Cyber-bullying can be very devastating for all people involved (Campbell, 2005). it affects the victim, the bully, family, and friends. With cyber-bullying on the rise, even more children will be affected in the future and the effects of this type of bullying will become more widespread.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder And The Benefits Of Guided Mental Imagery In Treatment, Lisa A. Langstraat

Graduate Research Papers

Seventy percent of adults in the United States will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. Out of these individuals, 25% will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This disorder is characterized by distinct physiological changes as well as notable psychological symptoms. If left untreated or improperly treated, PTSD exacts significant costs in individual suffering, quality of life, interpersonal relationships, productivity, and increased use of medical and psychiatric services.

The purpose of this paper is to present comprehensive information about PTSD and its impact on those who suffer from the disorder. This paper will also provide a brief synopsis …

Role-Play And Counselor Education : Bridging The Practice-Theory Gap In Prepracticum Clinical Training, Brian T. Merrick

Graduate Research Papers

Fictitious or imaginary roles within the role-playing paradigm are discussed. The concept of using this model as a method in counselor education is emphasized. Ethical boundaries, diversity, and historical precedents are used to make an argument in favor of role-play. Guidelines for students to create fictitious roles for use in role-play are outlined.

The Effects Of Divorce In A Society With Ever-Changing Family Structures, Rebecca L. Ahlstrom

Graduate Research Papers

Divorce rates have doubled since the 1970s, this has influenced both the structure and the impact of the family. It is imperative not to overlook the large and growing population of children affected by divorce. This paper will discuss the differences of important variables involved, such as age, gender and cultural background. In addition, it will discuss in detail outreach ideas and intervention strategies including small groups, mentoring programs, and bibliotherapy that have all been effective in supporting these children and their families in this crucial change of family structure. Children in single parent and blended families are considered "at-risk" …

Working With Children Suffering From Abuse And Neglect, Shalon L. Frye

Graduate Research Papers

This paper examines the history of advocacy for the rights and safety of children suffering from abuse and neglect in the United States and more specifically in the state of Iowa. It looks at statistical data concerning the incidence of child abuse and its correlation to age and ability level. It addresses the developmental, psychological, emotional, and physical effects of child abuse. This paper also outlines the role of the school counselor in helping children who are victims of abuse and neglect, as well as gives interventions that may be used to assist this population.

Play Therapy With Victims Of Child Abuse, Annie E. Jessen

Graduate Research Papers

Child abuse is a very serious issue around the world. An estimated 906,000 children were determined to be victims of child abuse or neglect in the United States in 2003. Child fatalities are the most tragic consequence of maltreatment. Play therapy provides children with the ideal environment where they feel safe and they may experience their feelings without restriction.

Oftentimes play allows children to distance themselves from experiences that are quite painful if expressed directly to a therapist. When assessing the needs of children, it is important for play therapists to assess the phenomenological impact of the abuse, the family's …

An Investigation Of Altruism And Personality Variables Amongbeginning Counseling Students, Laura Schmuldt

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Altruism is loosely defined as a desire to help others as well as acts and behaviors towards that end, particularly when no expectation of personal gain or reward exists (Batson, Fultz, Schoenrade & Paduano, 1987). It seems likely that individuals who choose to pursue acareer in counseling might be doing so out of some altruistic interest; in other words a desire to come to the aid of others in distress. It has been noted as well that some individuals may enter the counseling profession based more on self-interest; for example, as "wounded healers" hoping to work on personal issues (Wheeler, …

The Relationship Among Wellness, Severity Of Disturbance, And Social Desirability Of Entering Master's-Level Counseling Students, Heather Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A wellness paradigm may hold promise for unifying and strengthening the identity of the counseling profession. The construct of wellness may also hold implications for assessment of entering master's-level counseling students, as a tool for continuous evaluation of students, or for overall program evaluation. In this study, the only counseling-based wellness assessment measure, the Five Factor Wellness Evaluation of Lifestyle, was tested for its relationship to two other constructs: psychological disturbance and social desirability. In order to test the research hypotheses, a total of nine programs (in five states) and 204 entering master's-level counseling students completed instrumentation packets comprised of …

The Factors Preventing The Successful Implementation Of A Middle Level Advisory Program At One Middle School, Gina Grasso Leonard

Graduate Research Papers

This study investigated the feelings and conceptualizations about Advisory Programs of the teachers at one middle school in Southeast Iowa. Interviews were conducted to uncover the teachers' thoughts and perceptions on Advisory Programs at their middle school. The collected data was then evaluated and recommendations were made.

Providing Appropriate Social Interventions For Preschool-Age Children With Mild Autism Spectrum Disorders, Angela M. Riesberg

Graduate Research Papers

This paper provides a variety of appropriate social interventions to use with preschool-age children with mild Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Regardless of his or her diagnostic label, each individual child requires an individualized approach to treatment. Typically, multiple interventions are necessary for a successful program.

The questions this project will address include: (a) What are some possible social interventions to use with preschool-age children who have mild autism spectrum disorders, (b) what research supports current successful social interventions, ( c) which social interventions could provide the most benefits and success, and (d) how can inclusion and interacting with typically developing …

The Effects Of Emotional Intelligence In Everyday Life : What Counselors Can Do To Reinforce E.I. In Couples Counselings, Bridget M. Bencke

Graduate Research Papers

This paper will explore the aspects that make up emotional intelligence, compare IQ to EQ, and explain how emotional intelligence plays a role in the schools and in the workplace. This paper will identify how counselors can guide and support couples to recognize their feelings and develop healthy relationships with their spouses. Although techniques involving emotional intelligence skills are important for clients in individual sessions, there has been further research done with couples regarding therapy work and EI (Goleman, 1995). Therefore, this paper will focus on "emotional intelligence in couples" counselors, but will touch on EI in the schools and …

A Solution-Focused Approach To School Counseling, Holly Dawn Honey

Graduate Research Papers

Solution-focused brief therapy has only recently been discovered as an effective counseling strategy in a school setting based on its time-limited, positive approach to work with students. Though this approach has not been researched in depth, there have been several studies documenting its effectiveness with school age children. This paper will provide an overall view of solution-focused brief therapy as well as some specific techniques for all levels of school counseling.