Counseling Commons^™

School Connectedness In American Style Comprehensive And European Style Tracking Secondary Schools, Diana Csaki

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Schools are often considered a community nested within a community. A caring school environment contributes to community and belongingness among students. School connectedness, the belief held by students that adults and peers in the school care about their learning and about them as individuals, is viewed as a construct comprising affective, behavioral and cognitive dimensions. School connectedness among students in the United States has been shown as a predictor of adolescent health and academic outcomes with positive feelings of school connectedness linked to positive outcomes. School connectedness research often centers on children and early adolescents and less over the high …

United States Female Veterans’ Reintegration: Perceived Needs Of Social And Psychological Support, Lisa Marie Grazioso

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The United States military service members dedicate a period of their lives, some their entire life, to protecting and upholding the United States Constitution. While the United States military service members go through many transitions throughout their military career, all but their transition to civilian life include mentors and have a step-by-step action plan or checklist to prepare them for their next position or move. Often, female Veterans and their needs during reintegration into civilian life are overlooked. The purpose of this research study aimed to examine the relationships between perceived stress, satisfaction with life, and reintegration into civilian life …

Social Media Perceptions Of Academic Performance And Self-Esteem As Defined By Female Adolescents, Michele T. Miller

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The essential need for developing social interaction and relationships through participation on social media has begun to have an influence on academic performance and self-esteem in adolescents. This study examined the perceptions of adolescent females on the effect social media has had on both academic success and self-esteem. The literature reviewed the effects social media has on this population as it relates to these two areas. This was a qualitative study with 10 participants ages 11-15. A convenience group of participants were interviewed through in-person discussion whenever possible or through Google Meet/Zoom meetings. Questions were posed from an interview guide …

Finding The Missing Pieces: A Phenomenological Study Of Elementary Teachers' Experiences With Student Suicidality, Dionna Lashawn Doneghy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore elementary school teachers’ experiences with student suicidality in North Georgia. The first theory guiding this study was the Interpersonal theory of suicide, developed by Thomas Joiner to explain how risk factors of suicide interact to better understand who is most likely to make suicide attempts. Specifically, it proposes that when a sense of social alienation and perceived burdensomeness occur simultaneously, an individual begins to desire death. The second theory guiding this research was the three-step theory of suicide developed by E. David Klonsky and Alexis May. This theory posits that …

Grief After Perinatal Loss: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study, Marlena Jalise Baxter-Dunn

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this descriptive phenomenological study was to describe the experiences of grief, coping, and spiritual crisis in the lives of women who faced perinatal loss. The theory guiding this study was Pargament’s Theory of Religious Coping, as it explains the role of religious coping in the potential development of complicated grief and complicated spiritual grief. One central research question guided this study: how do women with religious/spiritual beliefs describe their lived experience of grief from perinatal loss? The sample size for the study was eight women with religious/spiritual beliefs who experienced perinatal loss. Data were collected using an …

Internet Pornography Use, Loneliness, And Adult Attachment Patterns Among Asian Indian Young Adults: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods Design, Anish Baby

Dissertations

Internet pornography consumption among Asian Indian Americans, an ethnic minority group, is largely underrepresented in current scholarly literature despite their growing population in the United States. The purpose of this research was threefold: (a) to measure the prevalence of internet pornography use among Asian Indian American young adults and adults; (b) to explore the relationship between internet pornography use, loneliness, and attachment patterns; and (c) to describe the lived experience of problematic porn consumers. Using an explanatory sequential mixed methods design, I conducted this study in two distinct phases: quantitative followed by qualitative. In the quantitative phase, I employed an …

Attitudes Toward Participation In Organized Religion: Its Impact On Mental Health And Life Satisfaction, Kayla M. Riley, Jonathan Riley

Journal of Graduate Education Research

This is a non-experimental study which is designed to discover potential relationships between an individual’s attitude towards participation in organized religion and their mental health, as well as their life satisfaction. The study contained 203 young adults taken from a convenience sample using social media, e-mail, and SMS messages. The research was conducted using a survey form composed of three instruments intended to measure attitude towards religion, general well-being, and life satisfaction. The results from the study indicated that there is a weak positive relationship between one’s attitude towards organized religion and mental health. Additionally, the results also indicated that …

American First-Generation College Students’ Narratives Of Positive Relationships With Their School Counsellors, Phillip L. Waalkes, Jaimie Stickl Haugen, Yuima Mizutani, Jiaying J. Meyer, Dave Salvatierra, Carrie Odle, Tiffany Somerville

Education Sciences and Professional Programs Faculty Works

Trusting and supportive relationships with school counsellors can help first-generation college students access college despite barriers. In this narrative inquiry, 11 first-generation college students in the United States shared stories of their positive relationships with their former high school counsellors. After an iterative and consensus-based data analysis process, we summarised our participants’ grand narrative with five themes: family context, school counselling delivery, relationships with school counsellors, impact of relationships with school counsellors, and suggested improvements. Participants valued how school counsellors helped them advocate for themselves, build their confidence, and feel encouraged and accountable through individual meetings, career counselling, and college …

Crime Leads To Time And Time Back To Crime: The Effect Of Employment On Recidivism, Connor Weiss

Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Leadership

This paper opens with a general history of prison systems and the recurring issue of overpopulation in prisons, which leads to the main topic of recidivism rates amongst former offender populations who find themselves with work opportunities. A summary of this issue as a whole is brought up with possible solutions to address the issues, as well as the problems that can and would arise with the proposed implementation of a streamlined prison-based career exploration and job training program. Continuing through the paper, the focus shifts to the ethics of the topic. Ethics play a significant role when looking at …

Special Issue 2022 Full Issue, Journal Of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research Education, And Practice Jcssw

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

No abstract provided.

Transgender College Athletes: A Special Commentary, Sonja Lund, Tiffany M. Bordonada

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

Recently, multiple bills from various states have attempted to ban transgender athletes from participating in sports. Guided by misinformation, these bills and policies set a dangerous precedent that is overall harmful to the well-being of trans athletes. This article discusses clinical, research, training, and advocacy priorities that should be addressed to protect the rights of trans athletes.

Sex-Positive Clinical Supervision: A Special Commentary, Beda A. Bjorn

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

This commentary focuses on clinical competencies, research frameworks, training implications that elevate the meta-competence awareness for the clinical supervisor. There is an identified need to expand sex-positive clinical supervision guidelines. The supervisory setting is created for the safety and personal-professional growth of the supervisee, where it is an opportunity to conceptualize the thematic development of our clinical evolution. In this space, we set a foundation for clinical frameworks to guide the applicability of specific intervention methods and strategies that allow for the critical formulation of a healthy therapeutic outcome. Without established and robust sex-positive frameworks in supervision, the clinical supervisor …

Supporting Mental, Emotional, And Sexual Wellness For Lgbtq+ College Students: A Special Commentary, Devyn Savitsky, Madeleine Stevens, Mahmoud Yacoub

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

This brief commentary addresses the importance of campus-wide sexual health initiatives for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and other sexual and affectional identities (LGBTQ+) college students. LGBTQ+ college students in the emerging adulthood life stage are particularly susceptible to stigmatized, inequitable physical and mental healthcare, making the need for intentional and affirming support from college counselors, on-campus healthcare providers, and student affairs professionals essential. This article addresses LGBTQ+ friendly communication strategies, specific counseling modalities for work surrounding LGBTQ+ college student sexual health, implications for counselor education and supervision, as well as ongoing research priorities for college counselors. Because sexual health …

Abstinence-Only Sex Education In Public Schools: A Special Commentary, Julianna Williams

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

Abstinence Only Until Marriage (AOUM) programs, also known as Sexual Risk Avoidance (SRA) programs, are non-comprehensive, religion and values-based programs that are still widely used, and supported by government funding, in schools around the United States of America. Content of these programs include messages of misogyny, heteronormativity, and racism, among others. Existing research has indicated that sex education programs lack efficacy in prevention or reduction in teen pregnancy and STI infection. However, little research has investigated the potentially harmful impact of biased messaging to long term sexual and mental health and well-being. In this commentary, I highlight some of the …

Integrating Sexuality Issues In Career Counseling: A Special Commentary, Megan Speciale, Dominique Oster

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

The integration of sexual health and wellness competencies within the career counseling specialization is a crucial aspect of providing comprehensive support to clients. This integration holds significance in three key areas: clinical practice, research, and training. In clinical practice, addressing sexual health concerns that may impact career decisions can enhance the comprehensive support provided to clients. In research, exploring the relationship between sexual health and career development and satisfaction is crucial. Furthermore, incorporating sexual health and wellness competencies into training programs for career counselors is necessary to ensure practitioners have the knowledge and skills required to effectively support clients in …

Incorporating Sexual Health Content Into The Rehabilitation Counseling Graduate Program Curriculum: A Special Commentary, Kenneth C. Hergenrather, Nichole Tichy, Maureen Mcguire-Kuletz

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

Sexual health is considered a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being (World Health Organization, 2006). Persons with disabilities are likely to be presumed as sexually inactive, asexual (Rico Alonso et al., 2021; Sant Angelo, 2000), or sexually deviant (Earle, 2001), often leading to their lack of sexual education, an increased risk of sexual exploitation, unwanted pregnancy, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs; Doughty et al., 2017). This commentary addresses three priorities for rehabilitation counseling graduate program curriculum. Clinical priorities should focus on providing persons with disabilities information and education regarding sexual health and wellness. Training priorities should focus on …

Lgbtq+ Substance Use And Sexual Health And Wellbeing: A Special Commentary, Michael P. Chaney, Nicole Urhahn-Schmitt

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

Although there has been some increased visibility in professional counseling literature pertaining to LGBTQ+ issues, gaps still exist. One such omission is how LGBTQ+ sexual wellbeing is negatively influenced by substance use. This commentary briefly reviews ways LGBTQ+ sexual wellbeing is negatively impacted by substance use. We provide commentary on how counselors may bolster sexual wellbeing when working with LGBTQ+ substance users and highlight gaps in counseling research. Lastly, recommendations for integrating this content into counselor training are provided.

Counseling Sexology In Marriage, Couple, & Family Counseling: A Special Commentary, Judith A. Nelson Ph.D., Lpc

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

Healthy couple and family sexuality adds satisfaction and intimacy to the most important human relationships. Systemic work around sexual issues can be complex yet very satisfying. This commentary includes basic information on clinical priorities in working with couples and families including how a counselor’s comfort level might determine outcomes in sexuality counseling. Research and training priorities and their impact are also discussed.

A Path Towards Intersectionality-Informed Counseling Sexology: A Special Commentary, Bianca R. Augustine

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

It is the goal of professionals within the field of counseling sexology and sexual wellness to provide clients with clinical mental health counseling through a sex-positive and affirming framework. To do so, clinicians must pay special attention to best practices in the field, especially as it relates to historically oppressed and minoritized clients. To do so, appropriate training is required to inform care. Furthermore, clinical practice is also informed by research, making it imperative that research is conducted related to various aspects of sexual wellness and treatment. This commentary will identify and discuss sexual health and wellness priorities within the …

Human Sexuality Education For Counseling Students, An Ethical Imperative: A Special Commentary, Meagan S. Mcbride

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

Human sexuality is a profound and multifaceted component of the human condition that is universally experienced. As such, it is an inevitability that issues related to human sexuality will come up in counseling settings; however, there is a lack of medically accurate sex education in K-12 schools. Additionally, there is no requirement, except for in three states, for students in mental health counseling programs to complete a course on human sexuality. While human sexuality is not a specific competency outlined by CACREP or ACA, it is universally experienced by all clients and counselors. This special commentary highlights the ethical need …

Letter From The Special Issue Editor, Megan Speciale

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

In the midst of the final drafting of the 2024 CACREP standards, this special issue is designed to call attention to the important role of sexuality across the CACREP specialty areas. Voices from across the counseling community have come together to create this special issue. Their contributions and perspective are shared here.

Special Issue 2022 Table Of Contents, Journal Of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research Education, And Practice Jcssw

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

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of A Canine-Assisted Reading Program On Readers Needing Extra Practice, Amanda N. Coffman, Elana Bernstein, Susan C. Davies, Ann F. Justice

Counselor Education and Human Services Faculty Publications

Canines can provide emotional support, create a nonjudgmental environment, facilitate positive social interactions, and shape student behavior. This study investigated the impact of a canine-assisted reading program on four second-grade students' reading fluency and attitudes toward reading. Oral reading fluency (ORF) was measured using ORF probes, and students' attitudes toward reading were measured with the Elementary Reading Attitude Survey. Although ORF skills did not improve significantly following the program, students' attitudes toward reading did. Implications regarding innovative strategies for reading fluency programs, including canine-assisted methods, are discussed, with emphasis on the importance of maintaining reading enjoyment among readers needing extra …

Medical Leave And Unrealistic Ministry Expectations A Study At Zion Lutheran Church, Aaron G. Flatau

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

A medical leave of absence due to a kidney transplant resulted in feelings of guilt and failure for a pastor when he was unable to fulfill his desired ministry tasks. These feelings of guilt and failure were speculated to be unwarranted.

To determine if these feelings were unwarranted, this paper researched sickness as presented in the Bible. Biblical research found illness to be a personal reminder of a global fall, found a link between forgiveness of sin and healing of sickness, and examined illness in the context of the Kingdom of God. Historical examination found that illness within the context …

Exploring Latinx Graduate Students’ Experiences In Online Classes At A Hispanic Serving Institution, Javier Cavazos Vela, Clarissa L. Salinas, Ming-Tsan Lu, Federico R. Guerra, Elizabeth Zamora

Counseling Faculty Publications

Guided by a Culturally Relevant Pedagogy framework, we used a phenomenological research design to explore nine Latinx graduate students’ lived experiences in online courses at a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). In this study, we analyzed nine Latinx graduate students’ interview transcripts that focused on lived experiences with online learning. The following themes emerged from phenomenological data analysis: accessibility, organization and structure, distractions and connectivity, instructor approachability, communication, flexibility with online learning and self-paced, active learning, guidelines and purpose for assignments, and criteria for success. We structure findings around three effective teaching practices: (1) designing an effective learning environment, (2) structuring …

Max And The Listening Tree, Paula Ray, Danny Reneau

Zea E-Books Collection

Max is a young man who lives with his grandmother. He is unhappy and upset, so he goes for a walk. His dad is in the army and his mom is a busy nurse. He is at a new school where kids make fun of his name. He wants to fly back to his old home and school. He wishes for someone to talk to. He sits down in the woods and his feelings come pouring out. Suddenly he hears from an old tree about deep roots and things always coming back. It’s his own tree for listening and for …

Shame, Stigma, And Callousness: A Moderated Mediation Study Of Sex Offender Empathy Strength, Robert M. Ferow

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Callous, lacking sympathy, heartless, and cold are but a few synonyms for people that demonstrate a deficit in empathy. Psychologists, criminologists, and sociologists have tried to explain this phenomenon of callousness, or lack of empathy found in criminals for hundreds of years. Issues of definitions of empathy, personality disorders, character flaws, and even neurobiological issues have been studied in their relation to empathy. Theories of criminology have been presented to explain the reasons for lack of empathy. However, as of yet, no conclusive findings demonstrate the order or function in loss of empathy strength. This study will endeavor to describe …

Philosophical Psychopathology And Individuation: The Archetype Of The Self And Rediscovering Personality, Alyc Jordan-Crump Rideout

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Psychopathology has been associated to personality in trait characteristics as a contributing factor to mental illness, but the degree to which personality development as an influence in mental pathologies remains under researched at a phenomenological level. Thus, leaving a significant gap in psychopathological clinical literature on the functional role personality development is associated with psychopathology. In the modern era, the medical symptomology model of mental illness set by the DSM serves as the justification for psychotropic medication prescription as well as the diagnostic criteria for mental pathology but, there is limitations to functional ideals of mental health based off diagnostic …

Toward Wholeness: Discovering Intimacy With Jesus Through Holistic Healing, David H. Brown

Doctor of Ministry

NPO Statement: Christians longing for inner healing and wholeness along with growing intimacy with Jesus need a confident, competent pathway to follow.

Key Insights from Research: Intuitively true, but still surprising, the top factor for improving someone’s confidence in pursuing their healing and wholeness in a ministry setting is trust of the minister. This factor topped perceived competence of the minister, community support and biblical soundness as other confidence-building factors. Another key insight, this one brought about through my stakeholders, is the importance of telling one’s story, one’s testimony, to help gain trust and grow the confidence of a potential …

A Grounded Theory Of Counselors’ Post-Graduation Development Of Disability Counseling Effectiveness, Michele Rivas, Nicole R. Hill

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Many persons with disabilities engage in counseling services in a variety of settings. However, the development trajectories of counselors who seek to compensate for the lack of training and advance their post-graduation skillset to work effectively with clients with disabilities has not been explored. This grounded theory study illuminated several dimensions involved in twenty-one Licensed Professional Counselors’ post-graduation development of disability counseling effectiveness. In this study, counseling effectiveness refers to self-perceived improved skillset rather than a benchmark (i.e., competence). The core category, Evolving Commitments, was common to all participants’ trajectories when developing disability counseling effectiveness. The other categories (causal conditions, …