Counseling Commons^™

The Factor Structure Of The Positive And Negative Affect Schedule In Multiethnic Adults, Allison Crowe, Patrick R. Mullen, Rachelle Redmond Barnes

Journal of Counseling Research and Practice

The following research used factor analyses to test the PANAS with a diverse sample. Results revealed a 10-item, two-factor model that was verified using internal replication analysis. Positive and negative affect according to ethnic group revealed significant differences between groups. Findings from this study offer counseling researchers and practitioners a modified version of the PANAS for diverse clients.

Mental Health Professionals Serving The Military: Who Has Access?, Nicole Marie Arcuri Sanders, Kellie Forziat-Pytel

Journal of Counseling Research and Practice

Licensed counselors are underrepresented as mental health professionals (MHPs) servicing military-connected clients (service member/Veterans and their families). Mixed-methods research, conducted by the authors, highlights key viewpoints of MHPs (counselor, psychologist, and social worker) interested in working with the military and on their level of confidence in working with this population. MHPs’ experiences, perspectives of their profession’s responsibilities to military clients, and their role in comparison to other MHPs is explored. Findings aid in advocacy efforts for the military population to receive counseling from qualified providers and support counseling program development to increase counselor employability among this group.

Professional Development Needs In A Predominantly Rural State, Amanda C. Dediego, Kara Hurt-Avila, Andrea Mcgrath

Journal of Counseling Research and Practice

Mental health professionals working in rural states experience significant challenges in supporting the mental health needs of their community members. Thus, it is imperative for the professional organizations that serve these practitioners to understand their professional development needs. Members of professional organizations seek to ensure a competent and healthy workforce. In the present study, the researchers focused on identifying the training needs, interests, and preferences of mental health professionals, including professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, and social workers in Wyoming. A statewide needs assessment completed by 258 participants indicated a strong need for ethics, trauma, and addictions training using …

Media And Technology In Counseling: Emerging Practices And Ethical Considerations In Response To Covid-19, Vikram Surya Chiruvolu, Justin Jacques

Journal of Counseling Research and Practice

COVID-19 has ushered in a new chapter of counseling in the United States and throughout the world. Counselors’ responses to the pandemic have been fundamentally reshaped by universal elements of the information age, including high-speed internet, smartphones, and computerbased technologies such as synchronous meeting software and collaboration tools. Now, clinicians can use technology to ally with clients, deliver psychoeducational media, and open new categories of intervention and engagement that alter the size, shape, and availability of the “counseling room” by extending it into a virtual space. The immediate investment in information technology demanded by the pandemic highlights an increasing need …

Women In Online Science Fiction Fandoms: Psychological Well-Being, Chrisha Anderson, Kathryn Watkins Van Asselt, Bradley Willis

Journal of Counseling Research and Practice

A qualitative research design was used to listen to the experiences of women who engaged in science fiction fandom activities through online social media and how these experiences impacted their psychological well-being. The study targeted a specific population of science fiction fandom users who engaged in social media activities for at least one hour per week and had done so for at least one year. The sample consisted of 12 participants. Thematic analysis was used with the qualitative software program ATLAS.ti to analyze, code, and categorize data obtained via the transcripts. Five themes appeared from the data: nonjudgmental fandom culture, …

We Set The Climate: Implications For Rural School Counselors In Creating Lgbtqia-Affirming Schools, Valerie Couture, Erin O. Shaw, Bonni Behrend

Journal of Counseling Research and Practice

This phenomenological qualitative study examined a Southern regional sample (N=9) of rural school counselors’ perspectives of the procedures and processes that contributed to their ability to create safe zones in an effort to make their schools more LGBTQIA-affirming. The researchers identified five key themes and twelve subthemes. The key themes were: (a) organized support system, (b) collaborations with school leadership, (c) addressing challenges, (d) utilization of professional development resources, and (e) adherence to professional ethics.

Does Adherence To The Asca National Model Predict Job Satisfaction Among School Counselors?, Annette C. Riddle, Mary Bess W. Pannel

Journal of Counseling Research and Practice

The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the relationship between the services regularly offered by school counselors and their level of job satisfaction. The School Activity Rating Scale, the Job in General Scale, and a demographic questionnaire were implemented. Descriptive statistics described participant's demographic data and determine how school counselors rate their level of job satisfaction. Results indicated that school counselors reported an overall high level of career satisfaction. Inferential statistics determined whether adherence to the ASCA National Model predicts job satisfaction. Results showed a statistically significant difference existed between school counseling activities and job satisfaction.

Experiences Of School Counselor Trainees In Group Supervision During Practicum: A Phenomenological Study, Jill Minor, Neil Duchac

Journal of Counseling Research and Practice

In this phenomenological study, we explored experience of students (N=6) in group supervision within a practicum field experience course. Using a narrative-focused approach for data analysis and interpretation of journal entries, were created a thematic structure of the participants’ lived experiences using the Critical Incident Questionnaire (CIQ). Discussion and implications of this journal writing activity are offered to help reveal and understand the instructional effectiveness of a field practicum counseling course.

An Analysis Of School Counselors Time Spent On Asca Aligned Activities, Jacob Olsen, Sejal Parikh Foxx, Claudia Flowers, Kaeleigh Hayakawa

Journal of Counseling Research and Practice

The high prevalence of youth aging out of the foster care system and the numerous poor outcomes they experience during the transition to emerging adulthood has been well documented. Although addressing the complex needs and concerns of this distinct population can be difficult, mental health counselors maintain the philosophical tenants and training strengths necessary to successfully serve youth aging out of foster care. This article aims to provide counselors with the historical context, developmental framework, and specific challenges needed to better understand this population, as well as suggested counseling implications to address their unique needs by reviewing relevant literature.

Dual-Enrollment, Peer Relationships, And Internalized. Variables: A Comparative Analysis Among Adolescents, Mary Bess W. Pannel, Christine D. Lewis Pugh, Valarie A. Morgan

Journal of Counseling Research and Practice

While the importance of dual enrollment programs has been demonstrated, the potential impact of completing college level courses during high school has on the emotional and mental wellbeing of adolescents has not been explored. This study used a nonexperimental, comparative, research design to explore the impact of completing college level courses during high school and the relationship to emotional and behavioral well-being of adolescents. Findings indicated self-esteem levels were statistically significant, specifically, dual enrolled students reported lower levels of self-esteem. School counselors are in a unique position to foster a successful, academic environment that also enhances emotional and mental wellness.

Refugees In Counseling Journals: A 20-Year Content Analysis, Mina Attia, Hanyun Li, Yuquing Qiu, Shiyu Tang

Journal of Counseling Research and Practice

This article is a 20-year content analysis of counseling journals exploring refugees and refugee issues from 1998-2018. The investigation intended to identify publication trends in counseling journals and the field’s responsiveness to the refugee crisis and global climate. An exhaustive analysis of American Counseling Association (ACA) and ACA division journals was conducted. Themes of the publishing trends, gaps in the literature, and recommendations for future research are presented for the counseling field.

Mindfulness As An Effective Conceptual Tool For The Pastoral Care Of Western Christians, Beth Virostek

Honors Scholars Collaborative Projects

The rapprochement of mindfulness within Christian ministries of the West is integrally important as mindfulness continues to grow as a field and be utilized in the secular world as a tool for growth and the promotion of subjective well-being. If this rapprochement is not attempted, the conflicts surrounding Christians approaching and utilizing mindfulness will continue. In recent decades, the application of mindfulness in a variety of areas has exploded. The neuroscience research has followed, citing great benefits to the practice of and the trait of mindfulness. However, Christians remain hesitant in approaching mindfulness for fear of it being heretical in …

Assessing Student Utilization, Accessibility, And Awareness Of Mental Health Practices At The University Of South Dakota, Melissa N. Pham

Honors Thesis

Mental health is critical to the overall wellbeing of individuals. However, college students oftentimes are at an increased susceptibility to encountering mental health issues including but not limited to depression, anxiety, stress, difficulties with concentration, and suicidal ideation. This study aims to assess the mental health perceptions, utilization, awareness, accessibility, and barriers to seeking out mental health aid at the University of South Dakota.; furthermore, this study investigates if and how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced student mental health. Through the distribution of an anonymous survey to University of South Dakota undergraduate students, this thesis project can provide a better …

Exploring Parental Perceptions Concerning Sexual Communication Between Sub-Saharan African Immigrant Parents And Their Children, Kwame Owura Frimpong

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Abstract Sub-Saharan African families experience communication barriers due to factors such as sexual silence, cultural taboos, and shame, preventing them from having sexual health communication with their children. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of Sub-Saharan African immigrant parents concerning sexual shame and parents’ attitudes, knowledge, and comfort level in having a conversation with their pre-adolescent children concerning sexuality and sexual practices. While numerous researchers have demonstrated efficiency in audience-specific interventions, the literature reflects little attention to African immigrants, specifically Sub-Saharan immigrants. The research questions addressed perceptions of influences of a decision to discuss issues relating …

The Impact Of Mindfulness Practices In Teachers, Shawn M. Martin Hettinga

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

Mindfulness training has been identified as a promising means for cultivating social and emotional competencies and reducing stress. The purpose of the quantitative pre-post study using convenience sampling of educators in a rural K-12 in the Arkansas River Valley was to examine whether teachers’ participation in mindfulness activities were associated with changes in levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and job satisfaction. The study used the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS) and measured the responses from novice (0-3 years) and experienced (4+ years) teachers. The findings revealed that there was no difference between the …

Pornography: Social, Emotional And Mental Implications Among Adolescents, William K. Canady

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

This presentation will explain the historical development of pornography. It will highlight four segments: 1- Porn’s impact on brain development of reward pathways, ultimately increasing the appetite for more porn. 2- Porn can be a false substitute for real intimacy, resulting in decreased sexual satisfaction with a real person and increased verbal and physical aggression. 3- Porn promotes sex trafficking, promotes multiple sex partners and reduced STD prevention. 4- A review of interventions available to assist clients in navigating a lifestyle away from pornography.

An Analysis Of The Impact And Efficacy Of Online Emotional Intelligence Coaching As A Support Mechanism For University Students, Aiden Carthy, Wyndham Chalmers, Eoghan Guiry, Philip Owende

Articles

As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, many college courses have pivoted to complete online delivery and colleges are also tasked with providing student supports online. It is likely this transition will last beyond any COVID-19 specific restrictions, therefore this small-scale, exploratory study examined the efficacy and impact of the provision of a 5 week online emotional intelligence (EI) coaching programme to a cohort of Irish university students (n = 19) studying at Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin). Results revealed that the average overall level of EI increased for participants following the coaching programme. Students reported that they believed …

Testing Barriers To Non-Suicidal Self-Injury With College Students: Narcissistic Traits As Moderators, Philip Stoner

Dissertations

Research on non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) has produced mixed findings, resulting in a lack of clarity regarding these behaviors (Klonsky & Meuhlenkamp, 2007). To address this, Hooley and Franklin (2018) developed the Benefits and Barriers Model (BBM) to provide a comprehensive understanding of NSSI, in which they identified the barriers that commonly prevent people from engaging in these behaviors (e.g., self-esteem, shame, and peer-bonding motivations/social norms). They also identified adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) as a distal predictor of NSSI, which aids people in overcoming the barriers to engaging in these behaviors. Recent NSSI literature has shown that college women in the …

Effect Of Computer-Assisted Cognitive Behavior Therapy Vs Usual Care On Depression Among Adults In Primary Care: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Jesse H. Wright, Jesse J. Owen, Tracy D. Eells, Becky F. Antle, Laura B. Bishop, Renee Girdler, Lesley M. Harris, R. Brent Wright, Michael J. Wells, Rangaraj Gopalraj, Michael E. Pendleton, Shehzad Ali

Counseling Psychology: Faculty Scholarship

Importance Depression is a common disorder that may go untreated or receive suboptimal care in primary care settings. Computer-assisted cognitive behavior therapy (CCBT) has been proposed as a method for improving access to effective psychotherapy, reducing cost, and increasing the convenience and efficiency of treatment for depression.

Objectives To evaluate whether clinician-supported CCBT is more effective than treatment as usual (TAU) in primary care patients with depression and to examine the feasibility and implementation of CCBT in a primary care population with substantial numbers of patients with low income, limited internet access, and low levels of educational attainment.

Design, Setting, …

Learning From The Standpoints Of Minoritized Students: An Exploration Of Multicultural And Social Justice Counseling Training, Julie A. Cohen, Anusha Kassan, Kaori Wada

The Qualitative Report

The results of a feminist research endeavour that explored multicultural (MC) counselling and social justice (SJ) training experiences from the standpoint of eight culturally non-dominant doctoral students are presented. Participants represented students within the five counselling psychology programs accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association. Specifically, the research aimed to address the following research question: How do counselling psychology doctoral students who self-identify with non-dominant cultural identities perceive their experiences of MC and SJ training? This research adopted a feminist standpoint theory epistemology to guide an interpretative phenomenological analysis to reflect the culturally rich, complex, and situated experiences of participants, while …

Older Adults’ Physical Activities And Subjective Well-Being, Mihae Bae, Hyunsook Kang

Journal of Human Services: Training, Research, and Practice

This study examined the relationships between physical activities as health behaviors and subjective well-being in older adults. Data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) survey were used. The NSHAP study sampled persons 57-85 years of age (n=3005). The respondents completed a telephone survey, reporting their background information and social networking characteristics. For data analysis, a two-step hierarchical regression was used in order to identify the associations between the demographic and physical activity factors on subjective perception of well-being in older adults. Our results indicated that, among the demographic, income, education, health status, and participation …

Rural Pregnant Women’S Experiences With Substance Use Disorder: A Qualitative Study, Cami Weber

Dissertations

Rural pregnant women with substance use disorder (SUD) are an understudied vulnerable population that often experiences poor pregnancy outcomes (Higgins et al., 2019; Jumah, 2016; Kramlich et al., 2018; Shaw et al., 2015). Despite the high prevalence and high burden associated with SUD, rural women are less likely than non-pregnant women to seek addiction treatment and complete an outpatient treatment program during pregnancy (Shaw et al., 2015). This study aimed to give voice to rural Missouri women with SUD. The research questions explored the life experiences and motivations for seeking treatment using a qualitative, descriptive research design with grounded theory …

Posttraumatic Growth In Women With A Long-Standing Experience Of Involuntary Childlessness In The Czech Republic, Gabriela Ďurašková, Brennan Peterson

Marriage and Family Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

This qualitative research study aimed to examine aspects of posttraumatic growth (PTG) in women with a long-standing experience of involuntary childlessness. In-depth semi-structured interviews, lasting an average of 53 min, were conducted in the Czech Republic. Twenty-four women, averaging 38.8 years old with an average of 6.2 years of infertility experience, participated. They were asked how involuntary childlessness affected/changed their partnerships, sexual life, job, future plans, attitude to children/values/faith, and leisure time. Participants shared both positive and negative aspects of the infertility experience. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Five main themes of PTG were identified: strengthening of partnership, greater …

The Gender Freedom Model: A Framework For Helping Transgender, Non-Binary, And Gender Questioning Clients Transition With More Ease, Rae Mcdaniel, Laurel Meng

Journal of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research, Practice, and Education

Transgender/non-binary experiences and identities are often represented in academic literature through narratives of distress and are often pathologized through a medical lens. This holds implications for the field of psychotherapy, as interventions aimed to support transgender/nonbinary individuals often focus solely on risk mitigation. This article presents a therapeutic framework that rests on three pillars—Play, Pleasure, and Possibility—as the focal points for reimagining work with transgender/non-binary clients. This model aims to help this population explore gender transition with more ease through building practical skills, cultivating personal and collective pride, and centering pleasure equity.

Mapping Sex Therapy Across The United States: An Exploratory Study, Frances L. Mcclain, Dylan M. Amlin

Journal of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research, Practice, and Education

The primary purpose of this study was to determine what someone who was interested in obtaining a provider for sex therapy would find if they simply searched for sex therapy using the Google search engine. The goal was to ascertain how someone might access providers in each state, what types of information someone seeking treatment for sexuality issues might find on provider websites, who is providing the services, what types of services are being provided, and whose services might appeal to given the content of the website. Once all of the data was compiled, the resulting data would include a …

Analysis Of Zero Balancing Case Studies Through An Occupational Therapy Lens, Deanna Waggy Otr, Msa, Czb, Csla

Journal of Transformative Touch

Does Zero Balancing positively impact occupational performance? This is a question many Occupational Therapists (OTs) ask when discerning if Zero Balancing (ZB) is an evidence-based treatment modality. Case studies from the book Experiencing the Power of Zero Balancing: Case Studies of Journeys to Health and Wholeness (Quarry & King, 2016) were reviewed and compared to the Occupational Therapy domain of practice to show clear evidence that each case study had a positive impact on occupational performance. A comparison chart shows a direct link between the occupational categories and documented evidence of improved occupational performance through practitioner observation and client feedback …

Strategies & Techniques To Treat Shame Handout - Aacc 2022, John C. Thomas

Faculty Publications and Presentations

Participants will learn how to recognize the faces of shame in counseling, how to explore shame and recognize themes, and learn practical strategies and techniques to help shame-ridden clients.

Mitigating The Mental Health Impact Of Marginalization And Discrimination, Debra A. Hope

Trans Collaborations Academic Papers

In honor of the life and work of Aaron T. Beck, this paper describes the application of cognitive therapy to management of marginalization stress among minoritized communities. Collaborative empiricism, cognitive restructuring, and behavioral interventions are highlighted as being particularly useful in a contemporary multicultural approach for the anxiety, depression, stress, and other sequelae of marginalization due to a stigmatized identity. Although primarily illustrated through recent work with transgender and gender diverse adults, the discussion extends to other groups including racial, ethnic, and sexual minorities and immigrants. This work illustrates the power of Dr. Beck’s approach to address the presenting concerns …

Test–Retest Reliability And Sensitivity Of A Brief Clinical Monitoring Measure For Transgender And Gender Diverse Adults: The Trans Collaborations Clinical Check-In (Tc3), T. Zachary Huit, Natalie R. Holt, Alexander Farquhar-Leicester, Rebecca L. Brock, Richard Mocarski, Nathan Woodruff, Debra Hope

Trans Collaborations Academic Papers

The current study aimed to examine the test–retest reliability and sensitivity of the Trans Collaborations Clinical Check-In (TC³) in a 3-month period with four assessment points at baseline, 1, 2, and 3 months to examine its utility as a clinical progress monitoring measure. This study builds on the initial validation study conducted by Holt et al. (2019). The sample of 32 transgender and gender diverse (TGD) participants were chosen who met screening for at least modest depression and anxiety, and did not have other significant risk factors (e.g., mania, self-harm). Participants completed a battery of measures that assessed …

Bridging The Gap Between Practice Guidelines And The Therapy Room: Community-Derived Practice Adaptations For Psychological Services With Transgender And Gender Diverse Adults In The Central United States, Debra A. Hope, Natalie Holt, Nathan Woodruff, Richard Mocarski, Heather M. Meyer, Jae A. Puckett, Joshua Eyer, Shelley Craig, Jamie Feldman, Jay A. Irwin, John Pachankis, K. J. Rawson, Jae Sevelius, Sim Butler

Trans Collaborations Academic Papers

Individuals who identify as transgender and gender diverse (TGD) are presenting at mental health clinicians’ offices with increasing frequency. Many TGD clients are seeking care related to affirming their gender identity but also may present with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse, or other problems forwhich a clinician may commonly provide services. Some clinicians may hesitate to accept TGD clients into their practice if they have little specialized training to work with this population in an affirming manner, especially in more underserved areas where a generalist practice is the norm. Numerous professional associations and experts have developed guidelines for affirmative behavioral …