Counseling Commons^™

Solution-Focused Approach To Therapy : An Overview Of The Literature, Gail L. Garwood

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the Solution-Focused Therapy philosophy, including some of its basic assumptions and their application in therapy. In doing so, the history of the development of Solution-Focused Therapy will be examined. Covered in this review is a summary of some of the elements borrowed from Social Constructionism and traditional therapies. The underlying assumptions of Solution-Focused Therapy to be examined include its focus on strengths, its particular view of reality (especially in regard to how expectations and the use of language affect outcome), and understanding change.

The therapist's conceptualization of the client …

The Counselor's Role In The Peer Sexual Harassment Issue : Educating And Empowering Students Concerning Roles And Rights, Ann Marie Lentz

Graduate Research Papers

Peer sexual harassment creates and maintains a hostile classroom environment. Schools must offer an inclusive scope of alternative decisions for all students. Students are entitled to support from teachers and school counselors whenever they believe they have experienced such harassment. Student victims need to be advised by encouraging adults in the school system in order to reestablish themselves as active learners.

When adults facilitate student learning regarding the issue of sexual harassment, a safe environment replaces the hostile environment created by sexual bullying. When counselors, teachers, parents, and administrators send a message of support, underlining that sexual harassment is illegal …

Adolescent Depression : A School Perspective, Kayann Lilja

Graduate Research Papers

The path from adolescence to adulthood is ever-changing and often extremely challenging. There is growing consensus that today it is an even more difficult journey than ever before. The purpose of this paper is to synthesize current knowledge regarding adolescent depression and its relationship to normal adolescent development. In addition, the origin, nature and characteristics of adolescent depression will be discussed. The paper will conclude with suggested interventions for educators to address the issue of adolescent depression in a preventative as well as treatment manner.

Adolescent Suicide : A Review Of Contributing Risk Factors And Issues Of Assessment, Joe S. Rich

Graduate Research Papers

Over the past decade, there has been an alarming increase in the rate of suicide among the adolescent population. It has been reported that among the 15 to 24- year-old population, the incidence of suicide has increased 200 percent since 1960. Suicide is now the third leading cause of death among adolescents and adults, ages 15 to 24- year-olds.

The purposes of this literature review are to (1) examine and identify factors that contribute to suicidal ideation in adolescents, (2) evaluate the adequacy of assessment measures of suicidal behavior including self-report, projective, and interviewing techniques, and (3) evaluate the general …

A Profile Of The Nigerian Educational System And Policy Options For Improved Educational Development For Rapid Economic Growth And Development, M O. Ojo, O. Adesanya, A. Bamidele

CBN Occasional Papers

Attempts is made in this paper to situate Nigeria's educational system within the context of her overall economic development in view of the universal acceptance of the ultimate importance of human resources in determining the level and manner of economic progress. The various ways in which education contributes to the process of economic development are explored. A statistical review and appraisal of the Nigerian Educational system show that given its current level, the system is under-developed as reflected by an overall adult literacy ratio of 49.5% and primary school enrollment level of 63.5% of the primary school-age cohort as at …

The Impact Of Sex And Gender-Role Orientation On Student Evaluations Of Professor Competence In Counselor Education And Counseling Psychology, Suzanne M. Hobson

Dissertations

The focus of this study was on the potential impact of sex and gender-role orientation on one form of evaluation within higher education. Specifically, this study investigated sex and gender-role orientation as they relate to graduate student end-of-course evaluations of professors in the Counselor Education and the Counseling Psychology fields.

Students enrolled in graduate courses in counselor education or counseling psychology at a large university in the Midwest completed the Instructional Development and Effectiveness Assessment (IDEA) end-of-course rating form, a modified version the Bern Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI) short form, and a student questionnaire. Professors also participated by completing the IDEA …

The Measurement Of Mood Variation Over Time And Its Relation To Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy In Young Adolescents, William Thomas Pinkston

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

Variation in mood states over time and the relationship between mood states and career decision making self-efficacy in young adolescents were investigated using the Profile of Mood States (POMS), the Multiple Affect Adjective Check List - Revised (MAACL-R), the Rotter's IE locus of control test, and the Career Planning Confidence Scale (CPCS). These tests were administered twice a week for six weeks. A correlational analysis was performed. The results showed a higher correlation between mood state measures as the subjects' moods varied over time than between either mood measure and locus of control which did not covary with either of …

Rebuilding Little Lives : Using Play Therapy With Traumatized Children, Denise E. Maas

Graduate Research Papers

In this paper, the author will attempt to assist therapists with their work with traumatized children using play therapy. The discussion includes signs and symptoms that a traumatized child may exhibit. In addition, the paper will contain selected therapeutic powers of play and how they can aid in the treatment of traumatized children. The case examples provided throughout this paper are actual experiences taken from the author's clinical practice in a hospice setting.

Helping Adolescents Deal With Loss, Benita J. Mertens

Graduate Research Papers

Adolescents can learn to cope with loss and grief through group counseling, individual counseling, family counseling, or talking with friends and family members. Because all people do not grieve in the same manner, is one of these methods of grieving suitable for all, or is one healthier than another? What feelings are common to adolescents working through loss issues? What are the age-specific variables related to loss? What types of interventions are most effective when dealing with adolescents who are mourning? All of these questions must be answered in order to learn more about how adolescents work through loss and …

Combining Adventure Therapy And Reality Therapy As A Treatment Approach With Adolescents, Shawn C. Becker

Graduate Research Papers

Adolescence is often considered a time filled with emotional conflict and stress. That stress often gives rise to psychological and behavioral problems for a large number of adolescents (Zigler & Stevenson, 1993). Teens experience poor self-concepts, decreases in self-esteem, depression, and a general inability to cope with the stress experienced during this time period. It is reported that many youth also lack support and guidance from their peers, families, and schools which would normally provide security in the development of successful personal identities (Clagett, 1992).

Current therapeutic approaches need to address these adolescent issues and needs in order to help …

Applications Of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy In The School Setting, Joanne M. Nelson

Graduate Research Papers

As a result of the many demands, as well as lack of time, school counselors need to work with an effective short-term theory. Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) fits this description because the general goal of REBT is to attain positive mental health within the least amount of time and with minimal expenditure.

Because of its efficiency, and its applicability to individual, small group, classroom, and adults, school counselors should consider using REBT in the school setting. The preventative and self-help focus of REBT, and the teaching materials developed around this theory fit well into the school setting. By applying …

Using The Arts To Decrease The Educational Failure Of At-Risk Students, Agnes L. Scott

Graduate Research Papers

The number of at-risk students who are destined for educational failure, quitting school before graduation or by not learning while attending school, is increasing at an unprecedented rate (Office of Educational Research and Improvement, 1992). If America does not sufficiently educate its increasing numbers of at-risk students, the nation's social and economic status may suffer due to a deteriorated educational system. These national concerns provide an opportunity to address appropriate educational interventions to help at-risk students. This paper will review the literature which suggests using the arts to decrease the educational failure of at-risk students.

Women, Mentoring, And The Degree : Tiptoeing Through The Academic Tulips, Linda Marie Schneider

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to examine issues related to mentoring women in higher education. Specifically, this paper will address issues concerning the chilly climate women face on campus, issues that focus on gender stereotypes for women in higher education, and issues which prohibit successful mentoring between women. students and.administrators. Finally, recommendations for student service administrators to· enhance mentoring relationships are suggested.

Rationale For Using Group Therapy With Couples Affected By Domestic Violence, Joyce C. Fehr

Graduate Research Papers

This paper defines battering and batterers, highlights some of the treatment interventions already in place for batterers, and provides a rationale for using couples group therapy for those people who choose to remain in a relationship after there has been at least one incidence of domestic violence resulting in the arrest of one of the partners. The paper describes what this type of group format might look like, and takes a look at the criticisms of couples group therapy and the cautions associated with such a group. Finally, this paper summarizes the future direction of domestic violence treatment.

Understanding And Treating Selective Mutism In Children : A Guide For Counselors, Chelsea R. Carter

Graduate Research Papers

Selective mutism is a clinical disorder in which a child remains silent in chosen situations despite the ability for speech. Though there are cases of selective mutism in adults, the major population in which this disorder is diagnosed is in children. This paper will focus on these children who meet the criteria for a diagnosis of selective mutism.

There are three major theoretical schools of thought regarding selective mutism. The first deals with hostility and control; the second, anxiety and social phobia; and the third, family communication in regard to the onset and maintenance of this disorder. This paper explores …

Promoting Identity Development In The Classroom: A New Role For Academic Faculty, Scott Hall, Susan J. Sears

Counselor Education and Human Services Faculty Publications

This study examined the influence of a structured curricular intervention on the personal and social identity development of college students. The authors implemented a pretest/posttest design using the revised version of the Extended Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status-2 (EOMEIS-2). Significant posttest results supported faculty’s role in developing students’ capabilities beyond the intellectual domain. Finally, the authors discuss collaboration between academic faculty and student affairs practitioners in contributing toward students’ identity development.

Children Of Divorce : Implication To Teaching, Gloria Mao

Graduate Research Papers

The primary focus of this paper is the causes of divorce and their effects on elementary-age children. The adjustment problems of children of divorce in classrooms are examined. The importance of teachers' roles in easing the transition to school for children of divorce is emphasized. Teachers are assumed to be in a better position to observe the changes of children of divorce and to help them to adjust to their parents' divorce. By being sensitive and supportive, teachers can make a difference in their students' lives. A 7-hour workshop designed to enhance teachers' understanding about children of divorce is described.

Theory And Practice Of Counseling From A Personal Perspective: Adlerian Play Therapy Based Upon The Application Of Individual Psychology, Mary June Hunt

Graduate Theses

Counseling theory and practice based upon Alfred Adler's Individual Psychology was investigated. Current literature was reviewed which dealt with three topics: the author's personal philosophy of counseling, marital therapy, and play therapy. The result of this study illustrates the interrelatedness of the topics and the positive interventions provided by an effective counselor.

A Qualitative Study Of Friendships And Student-Faculty Relationships: Experiences And Perspectives Of Korean International Students Studying In The United States, Jinsook Kim

Dissertations

Experiences and perceptions among a group of Korean international students studying in the United States were examined in terms of friendships and student faculty relationships. The study used a qualitative approach and was guided by cross-cultural and cultural learning perspectives. Semi-structured interviews conducted in the Korean language were used for data collection. From a research population of 72 Korean international students enrolled at a large Midwestern university, 24 were selected using purposeful sampling, 6 from each of the four identified subgroups. These subgroups were male and female undergraduates and male and female graduates.

Participant experiences and perceptions concerning closest friendships …

An Integrated Approach To Theories Of Loss And Adaptation To Disability, Marjorie Anne White

Dissertations and Theses

Many theories have been proposed that attempt to explain response and adaptation to loss. However, no one theory has been shown to be universally applicable to all individuals suffering a loss. This paper presents an overview of many of these theories, paying special attention to the relationship between the theories of loss and adaptation to disability. The theories include the psychoanalytic model of loss, stage models of adaptation to loss, the value change theory of acceptance of loss, chronic sorrow, the cognitive adaptation theory, the stress and coping model, developmental theory, and the existential perspective on loss and grief. The …

Alfred Alder And Albert Bandura: A Comparison Of Theories Academic Achievement In Children Of Divorce And Educational Kinesiology: Its Implications And Uses In The Learning Process, Claudia Emmons Gleeson

Graduate Theses

Three topics were researched and reported that can benefit counselors as they work with various individuals. Alfred Adler and Albert Bandura; a comparison of theories, academic achievement in children of divorce, and Educational Kinesiology: its implications and uses in the learning process were topics discussed. A comparison of Adler's individual psychology and Bandura's social learning theory produced practical applications for counselors and knowledge about human behavior. Academic achievement in children of divorce explored the reason for difficulties the children and families face during, and after the transition caused by parental divorce. Successful counseling interventions were given that consisted of education …

The Destructive Narcissistic Pattern, Nina W. Brown

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Identifying characteristics of the Destructive Narcissistic Pattern (DNP) in the workplace are presented. The DNP is most easily recognized by the reactions of those who have to work with him/ her. Characteristics are derived from the literature on pathological narcissism which differs only in intensity and degree. Strategies to develop constructive working relationships with the DNP are presented.

A Personal Approach To Counseling, Four Techniques Of Therapy, & Brief Therapy And Counseling, Charles William Hollis

Graduate Theses

The field of counseling is a rapidly changing profession, and counselors, both new and old must learn to adapt to these changes. The counselor should decide on and maintain a basic theory of counseling, and yet not allow that theory to be so rigid that it fails to use some of the benefits from other theories when applicable. The counselor should learn to look at all sides of an issue before deciding what stand to take on that issue, and the stand should be one that inevitably is aimed at his/her enhancement as a counselor.

The Effect Of Gender And Age On Ppst Performance In An Urban Teacher Education Program, Judith Harrington

Counseling Faculty Publications

This study examined PPST scores for 318 College of Education students in a midsized, midwestern, urban university. Factors of gender and age were used to compare performance on the three PPST subtests of Reading, Writing and Mathematics. Findings tended to support some gender-stereotypical beliefs with regard to math and verbal abilities. The study's findings did not support the often perceived belief that traditional students outperform nontraditional students. Inferences for urban colleges of Education are discussed.

The Effects Of Neuro-Linguistic Programming On The Self-Esteem Of At-Risk Students, Ben L. Turpen

Graduate Theses

A study was performed on at-risk students in the Midland Independent School District, Midland, Texas, utilizing Neuro Linguistic Programming as a counseling technique for improving the self-esteem of ninth grade students. Students were divided into control and treatment groups and pretested and post-tested using the School Attitude Measure. The treatment group was given twelve sessions of counseling utilizing Neuro Linguistic Programming. The subtests. Academic Self-Concept, Performance and Reference Based, and Instructional Mastery indicated a favorable trend. The significant differences in the means between the pretest and posttest was Motivation for Schooling and the overall School Attitude Measure. There was sufficient …

A Follow-Up Study Of Graduates In Education/Counseling, Robbie Jean Moore

Graduate Theses

This study ascertained what happened to the graduates of the Education/Counseling program at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. A questionnaire was mailed to 155 graduates from this program. 59 usable questionnaires were returned which determined what happened to the graduates after they received their degrees and what changes should be .considered for the program. Results showed that overall the program at UTPB is an adequate program and many of the respondents are working.in the field of counseling.

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (Nlp): An Alternative Technique To Help "At-Risk" Students Increase Cognitive Learning Abilities, Mary J. Urquidez

Graduate Theses

A study was performed on at-risk students in the Midland Independent School District, Midland, Texas utilizing Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) as an alternative counseling technique for improving the cognitive abilities of students. Students were divided into control and experimental groups and pre and post-tested with the Developing Cognitive Abilities Test, (Second Edition) (DCAT) 1990. The experimental group was given twelve sessions of treatment utilizing Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Results of the study showed a trend toward improved strategizing for learning.

Counseling Skills Training An Extensive Review Of Literature, Sarah Kay Smith

Graduate Theses

Counseling Skills Training is a broad topic and although the proper training of counselors is considered to be consequential, relatively little systematic research of a profound nature has been carried out using graduate level trainees or professional level counselors. Research that has been conscientiously done has centered interviewing skills and suggestions for training rather than on the actual skills of conducting "real" psychotherapy. Given the state of inconclusive research to date, considerations for future research need to be addressed.

Monitoring And Management Of Psychiatric Symptomatology In Conditionally Released Insanity Acquittees, Jo Mariah Mahler

Dissertations and Theses

Community treatment of insanity acquittees is a highly controversial matter among legislators, mental health professionals and the public. At issue is the balancing of public safety concerns with least restrictive, non-punitive rehabilitation alternatives for insanity acquittees. Attempts to determine predictors of dangerousness in mentally ill offenders have produced mixed results with questionable practical value. In view of this, many mental health professionals are instead recommending that research on insanity acquittees be focused on evaluating the effectiveness of mandated community treatment programs for insanity acquittees. One area being designated for such research is the monitoring and management of psychopathology in conditionally …

Perception Of Stressors By 9th And 12th Grade Students Utilizing The Youth Adaptation Rating Scale, Michael James Krummel

Dissertations and Theses

Stress is a fact of life. There has been much research done since the early 1970's dealing with the various aspects and relationships of stress and life events for all stages of human development. The purpose of this study was to investigate perceived life-event stressors of 9th grade and 12th grade students in three Pacific Northwest rural schools. The study also sought to a) ascertain whether male students in the 9th grade and 12th grade perceive stressful life events differently than female students in the same grade, and b) explore if there was a difference in perceptions of students of …