Counselor Education Commons^™

The Effects Of Holistic Grief Counseling Training On Master’S Level Counseling Students’ Grief And Loss Counseling Competency, Kathryn Paige Linich

Theses and Dissertations

Grief is a universal event, yet many counselors are not prepared to used evidence-based practices when recognizing and working with grieving clients. Researchers have explored ways to improve grief counseling education, but none of these recommendations have been put into practice. The aim of this dissertation study, which consists of two full studies, was to develop a holistic grief counseling training for master’s level counseling students that incorporates recommendations for curricular inclusion from the research. The training was designed to be incorporated into one full class period in any master’s level counseling course. The first study is a pilot study …

Elementary School Counselors Experiences Working With Students With Emotional/Behavioral Disorders: A Qualitative Dissertation, Esther Diane Mccartney

Theses and Dissertations

Students with emotional/behavioral disorders have identified disruptive behaviors that negatively impact their academic performance. The US Department of Education and the American School Counselor Association have supported the use of school-wide Multitiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to reinforce pro-social behaviors for all students, but to also ensure the development of targeted and intensive interventions for students who need more support. As stakeholders, school counselors are often involved in the development and implementation of MTSS’s tiered interventions to provide support to all students, especially those with disabilities. Using consensual qualitative research study, the research team aimed to examine elementary school counselor’s …

Vicarious Posttraumatic Growth Among Helping Professionals: Factor Analysis And An Investigation Of Construct Validity, Jennifer D. Deaton

Theses and Dissertations

The impact of trauma has varying effects on both clients and helping professionals ranging from negative responses (e.g. secondary traumatic stress [STS], compassion fatigue, and burnout) to positive responses (e.g. vicarious posttraumatic growth [VPTG], vicarious resilience, and compassion satisfaction [CS]). Vicarious posttraumatic growth is the experience of growth as a result of indirect trauma exposure. Scholars have exclusively investigated VPTG using the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI); a measure of the extent an individual experiences growth experienced after trauma. The PTGI has not held its factor structure when used among indirect trauma exposure. The purpose of this study was to explore …

The Relationship Between Access To School Counseling And Students’ Attainment And Persistence In Postsecondary And Stem Education Outcomes, Dana Brookover

Theses and Dissertations

School counselors design and implement comprehensive school counseling programs to support students’ academic, college and career, and personal/social development (ASCA, 2019). This includes the school counselor’s important role in college readiness counseling and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) counseling (Falco, 2017; Gilfillan, 2018). The current study focused on the relationships between access to school counseling and students’ long-term college readiness outcomes. Through a Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT; Lent et al., 1994) lens, two models to predict (1) college attainment and persistence and (2) STEM major attainment and persistence, were tested through logistic regression analyses. Additionally, this study also …

Predicting Black Male Undergraduate Degree Completion At A Pwi Examining Single Indicators Of Religiosity, Anxiety, And Depression., Nickolas Spears Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Religiosity is a well-known protective factor for mental health as a coping and resilience source, which positively affects Black male college students' academic success. However, less is known about whether religiosity predicts degree completion and buffers Black males' mental health from a quantitative research approach. Black males have one of the lowest degree completion rates at four-year institutions. Students who experience poor mental health outcomes have lower degree completion. This study utilized logistic regression to investigate whether religiosity: (1) predicted degree completion among Black male undergraduate students and (2) moderated anxiety and depression. The results suggest Black males identify high …

Family Relationship Hope In Parents Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Lindsay A. Kozachuk

Theses and Dissertations

Parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience unique parenting demands. Although these parents often report high levels of mental health challenges, such as depression (e.g., Scherer et al., 2019), they also report resilience factors such as family support and hope (e.g., Ekas et al., 2016). The present study investigated a novel construct, family relationship hope, in parents of children with ASD by examining the psychometric properties of the Family Relationship Hope Scale (FRHS), variables associated with family relationship hope and its link with depression. Factor analyses examined the factor structure and model fit of the FRHS. The post-crisis …

The Lived Experiences Of Division I Student-Athletes Coping With A Season-Ending Injury, Michael E. Deitz

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the qualitative studywas to examine the lived experiences of Division I collegiate student-athletes who coped with a season-ending injury. The researcher used a hermeneutic phenomenological approach to understand how injury impacts identity development, mental health, and coping among student-athletes. As one of the only studies to examine all of these factors, the present study aimed to enhance counselor educators’ understanding of the specific needs of this population to provide developmentally appropriate support for injured student-athletes. The researcher collected data through 14 interviews with present or recently retired NCAA Division I student-athletes. Data analysis showcased diverse experiences with …

A Longitudinal Study Of The Influence Of A Stem Career Planning Course And Perceived Stress On Career Search Self-Efficacy And Retention In Engineering Undergraduate Students, Autumn Randell

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated a) the influence of a STEM career planning course on undergraduate engineering students’ career search self-efficacy, b) the influence of perceived stress on building students’ career search self-efficacy, and c) the relationship career search self-efficacy had in predicting students’ odds of persistence in an engineering major. The researcher analyzed students’ week 1, week 6, and week 14 scores of career search self-efficacy and perceived stress. Data were collected from the Spring 2019 and Fall 2019 cohorts of a STEM career planning. As a result, the analysis included (N = 286) undergraduate engineering students. Repeated measures multilevel …

Examining The Influence Of Technoference On Sexual Satisfaction And Relationship Satisfaction Using Actor-Partner Interdependence Modeling Among Young Adult Couples, Christopher J. Hipp

Theses and Dissertations

Young adult couples experience differing levels of relationship and sexual satisfaction throughout the development and duration of their relationship. The levels of relationship and sexual satisfaction depend on factors associated with expectations by the individual members of what constitutes acceptable rewards and costs for the continuance of the relationship. Technology use within a relationship is a relatively new concept in research shown to produce potential rewards and costs that influence relationship development and/or sustainment; however, the results of technology use in romantic relationships remains an understudied area. Even less is known about the effects of technoference on young adult couples’ …

Examining Perceptions And Sensemaking Of Wellness Among African American Women Who Manifest The Archetype Of The Strong Black Woman, Donya D. Wallace

Theses and Dissertations

Furthering a strengths-based approach to mental health and wellness requires researchers to explore the role of cultural systems, sociohistorical factors and the intersectionality of race and gender as factors impacting wellness. To fill the existing gap in the literature describing perceptions of wellness through a cultural lens, I examined experiences of wellness among African American women who manifest the archetype of the Strong Black Woman. Working within the client’s perspective, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was employed to analyze data collected during semi-structured in-depth interviews and focus groups. I conducted the interviews to explored participant personal and social experiences with wellness. Super-ordinate …

An Investigation Of The Impact Of A Supervision Intervention On Secondary Traumatic Stress Responses Among Counselors Treating Child Survivors Of Sexual Abuse, Brooke Wymer

Theses and Dissertations

Novice counselors who have high trauma caseloads are at risk for secondary traumatic stress (STS) responses, which can impact their ability to function effectively in professional counseling roles. Supervision is one factor frequently conceptualized to have an impact on STS responses in counselors; however, there is a dearth of literature regarding specific supervision interventions that are evidence-based to reduce or prevent STS responses among counselors treating trauma, specifically child survivors of sexual abuse (CSSA). Due to the absence of supervision intervention studies among counselors working with this population, the current study implemented an experimental single case research design to measure …

Managing Negative Countertransference Utilizing An Integrated Counselor Mindfulness Training For Counselors Working With Children Exhibiting Externalized Behaviors, Jessie D. Guest

Theses and Dissertations

Using a multiple-probe, single case research design, this study investigated the effects of an integrated mindfulness intervention on counselors’ negative countertransference while working with children exhibiting externalized behaviors in session. More specifically, this study utilized a two-pronged intervention including mindfulness practices as well as the theoretical tenets of relating to children to assist counselors in managing negative countertransference as measured by the Countertransference Management Scale (Perez- Rojas, et al., 2017), reducing negative countertransference feelings as measured by Therapist Appraisal Questionnaire (Cooley & Klingler, 1989; Fauth et al., 1999), and improving the child’s perception of the counselor as measured by Young …

The Experiences Of School Counseling Directors In Relation To Job Satisfaction And Leadership, Robyn Walsh

Theses and Dissertations

The current literature on school counselor job satisfaction does not address the experiences of school counseling directors. This is a unique set of counselors due to their role as leaders and supervisors in the building. Therefore, this study sought to better understand the experiences of school counseling directors in relation to job satisfaction and leadership. The researcher collected data through 10 interviews with participants having met the criteria of serving as a school counseling director of a middle or high school, supervising a department of at least two counselors, and working in the role for at least two years. Data …

Once A Felon….Always A Felon? A Comparative Case Study Of The Experiences Of Convicted African-American Fathers, Douglas Bates

Theses and Dissertations

Currently, African-Americans account for 12.3% of the U.S. population but represent 38% of the prison population (The Sentencing Project, 2016). Of the many African-American males sent to prison each year, there is limited research that explores the impact a conviction has on African-American fathers. Within the literature, researchers (Laakso & Nygaard, 2012; Miller, et. al., 2013, Flouri & Buchanan, 2002; Lee, Sansone, Swanson, & Tatum, 2012; Johnson & Easterling, 2015; Miller, 2006; Lopez & Bhat, 2007; Aaron & Dallaire, 2009) only focus on the effect incarceration has on children and the experiences of fathers while incarcerated (Roy & Dyson, 2005; …

Assessing The Strengths And Difficulties Of Typically Developing Siblings Of Persons Born With Lifelong Disabilities, Joseph Joseph Wofford

Theses and Dissertations

In this study, strengths and difficulties of siblings of persons born with disabilities were quantitatively assessed, based on parental perception, in comparison to national norms. Answers of 148 parents to the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ; Goodman, 1997; Youthinmind, n.d.a.) for children four to seven years old who are siblings of persons born with lifelong disabilities (SPBDs) were gathered and analyzed. The causal-comparative design compared each subscale of the SDQ for SBPDs against their respective norms in the USA for females or males. SPBDs were found to have no statistically significant difference from the norm group on emotional problems, and …

Measuring The Effects Of A Mindfulness Intervention On Counselors’-In-Training Dispositions, Strength Of The Therapeutic Relationship, And Client Outcomes, Therese Louise Newton

Theses and Dissertations

Using a multiple baseline single case research design, the present study sought to measure the effects of a mindfulness intervention on counselors’-in-training facilitative dispositions of: (a) empathetic understanding, (b) level of regard, (c) unconditionality of regard, and (d) congruence (as observed through weekly in-session engagement with clients), and client outcomes (as measured by the Personal Growth Initiative Scale-II; [Robitschek et al., 2012] and the Outcomes Questionnaire-45.2; [Lambert et al., 1996]). In addition, the investigation examined the influence of counselors-in-training participation in a brief mindfulness intervention on clients’ perception of the strength of the therapeutic alliance (as measured by the Barrett-Lennard …

A Narrative Study Of Black Males Sense Of Belonging In Graduate Counseling Programs, Justin Adams

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this narrative study was to understand the experiences of Black males in doctoral counselor education programs. The study aimed to build a dialogue based on participant’s experiences growing up as Black males, and how they experienced sense of belonging in their counselor education programs. This narrative study utilized a purposive and homogenous sampling selection. Black males who were selected to participate in this study attended Predominantly White Institutions and were in the process of earning their doctoral degrees in counselor education. Each male was a full-time student, in either their second, third or fourth year of their …

Exploring The Professional Identity Of Examplar Novice High School Counselors, Kimberly A. Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological study investigated how exemplar novice high school counselors described the development of their professional identities. Through interviewing high school counselors who have been practicing between 1 to 5 years, experiences and themes emerged to understand the process of how exemplar novice high school counselors developed a professional identity. Through the themes, researchers will analyze whether novice high school counselors benefited from certain courses as trainees, current job experiences and professional involvement in developing their professional identities.

A Phenomenological Investigation Of Counselor Competencies In Working With Children Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder And Their Families, Katherine A. Feather

Theses and Dissertations

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a profound diagnosis that affects 1% of the world’s population (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]; 2015a). Counselors can play a dynamic role in treating ASD and promoting greater life satisfaction; however, the counseling field has not identified how counselors develop their competencies working with children with ASD and their families. Therefore, the phenomenological investigation examined the experiences of 15 counselors in the field and their self-perceived competencies of treating ASD. A model of ASD counseling competencies development emerged from the data. Participants described the developmental components of Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies …

The Lived Experiences Of Academic Advisors With Counseling Degrees In Addressing Wellness With College Student-Athletes, Jennifer M. Gerlach

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to investigate the lived experiences of academic advisors who have master’s degrees in counseling in addressing wellness with college student-athletes. Of particular note was to explore if they addressed wellness and, if so, how they addressed wellness. Extant literature is replete with evidence documenting the numerous challenges and stressors student-athletes experience due to their athlete status. Prior to this study, the role of the academic advisor in addressing wellness has not been represented in the literature. This study examined the lived experiences of 10 academic advisors with counseling degrees, or currently enrolled …

Investigating The Receptivity Of Counseling Students Toward Receiving Counseling, Oluwatoyin Adeyemi

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the perceptions of graduate students in counseling toward seeking counseling as part of the efforts to promote the personal and professional development. The main research question is: what are the perceptions of graduate counseling students toward receiving counseling? The secondary questions are: What are the reasons graduate students in counseling would be willing or reluctant to receive counseling? What are the perceived benefits of counseling? And, finally, what are the perceived drawbacks of counseling? The study is qualitative in nature applying a phenomenological design. The participants were purposefully selected from the Ed.S. program in Counselor Education. Six …

Measuring The Self-Perceived Transformational Leadership Skills Of School Counselors: A Comparison Across Settings, Christina Lowe

Theses and Dissertations

Transformational leadership is a style of leadership that is well suited for the nature of the modern school counselor. Previous research has shown the ways in which a school counselor can incorporate transformational leadership components into his or her school counseling program. However, little research has currently been conducted to assess what factors contribute to counselors’ self-perceived transformational leadership. This study aimed to examine influential factors in the development of transformational leadership skills of school counselors across the United States. This study took into account age, years of experience, school setting (i.e., elementary, middle or high school) and leadership in …

The Counselors’ Sexual Identity Development, Heterosexual Privilege Awareness, Faith Identity Development, And Religiosity As Predictors Of Their Sexual Orientation Counseling Competency In Working With Lgb Clients, James H. Brown

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate counselors’ sexual identity development, heterosexual privilege awareness, faith identity development, and intrinsic religiosity as predictors of their sexual orientation counseling competencies in working with LGB clients. The design of the study is a correlational survey design. The data analysis that was used is standard multiple regression.

The participants were 103 self-identified heterosexual licensed counselors. They were asked to fill out a survey consisting of the Measure of Sexual Identity Exploration and Commitment (MoSIEC), the Heterosexual Privilege Awareness (HPA), the Revised Faith Development Scale (RFDS), the Duke University Religion Index (DUREL), and …

Exploration Of Appropriate And Inappropriate E-Disclosure: A Qualitative Investigation Of The Decision-Making Process Of Counselors In Training, Katherine H. Dewitt

Theses and Dissertations

This study explored how counseling students in CACREP accredited counselor education program made meaning of and categorize appropriate and inappropriate self-disclosure in the digital age. In particular, how do future counselors consider and apply ethical codes to personal behavior on social media? Utilizing a qualitative design, the researcher explored student decision making and understanding of ethical considerations in the personal use of social media. A vital component to the professionalism of counseling is the constancy of the presentation-of-self in all identities (public, private, in-person, or online) of the counselor. The researcher asserts that there is an ethical obligation of all …

Understanding Success Of Black Female Counselor Educators In Terms Of Racial Identity, Tanesha Lakendra Jones-Boyd

Theses and Dissertations

Over the years, minority faculty representation has increased in counselor education doctoral programs, but the rates are low compared to the overall rates of White faculty. Black female counselor educators, in particular, are among faculty underrepresented in higher education. Much of the research concerning Black female counselor educators addresses barriers these women face in higher education, especially during tenure. While Black female counselor educators find the journey to become accomplished counselor educators challenging, many have achieved that success despite their experiences. This dissertation explored the experiences of six tenured Black female counselor educators to gain a better understanding of how …

A Phenomenological Examination Of The Civilian Mental Health Clinicians’ Perceptions About Serving Military Members And Their Famlilies, Lorell Cynthia Gordon

Theses and Dissertations

This study utilizes qualitative inquiry to examine the perceptions of nine civilian mental health clinicians. The goal of this study is to answer the primary question: How do civilian mental health clinicians perceive working with the military population? The three sub questions that further direct this study are: (a) how do the clinicians describe their perceptions of their knowledge base to work with the military, (b) how do the clinicians describe their attitudes and beliefs about this special population, and (c) how do the clinicians describe their understanding about the world view of the military population? To answer these research …

A Qualitative Study Of Street Smarts Among African American Male High School Dropouts: Implications For School Counselors, Charlette Taylor

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates street smart African American males who dropped out of high school. Using a qualitative phenomenological design, the researcher interviewed six participants, to explore their experiences related to street smarts in school and the influences on their decision to drop out. The framework of the study is based on Robert Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory of Intelligence. The role of the school counselor in dropout prevention according to the American School Counselor Association’s (ASCA) National Model is presented. Themes from the data include: intelligence, self-sufficient, and support. Implications for school counselors who work in direct and indirect consultation with teachers, …

A Quantitative Examination Of The Use Of Stand-Alone Courses And Infused Curricula On Middle School Counselors' Perceptions Of Preparedness With Legal And Ethical Dilemmas, Angelica Greiner

Theses and Dissertations

As school counselors are at a heightened risk for facing litigation, it is imperative that they are appropriately trained to effectively respond to legal and ethical issues they may encounter in their daily work. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of stand-alone courses and infused curricula on middle school counselors’ selfdescribed preparedness to effectively respond to legal and ethical dilemmas. Data was collected from middle school counselors in South Carolina by using an electronic survey. The researcher used the Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling Self-Efficacy Scale as the instrument to determine their preparedness to …

An Investigation Of The Differences Between Continuing And Non-Continuing Undergraduate Special Admission Students Related To Academic Advising Factors, Kevin P. Reeves

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined some differences between continuing and non-continuing special admission students in areas of academic advising in ways that are more systematic and thorough than past research. The premise of the study is that having a clearer understanding of how academic advising affects retention might provide colleges and universities with information to optimize the collegiate experience for special admission students. Therefore, research on the effect academic advising has on special admission student retention might offer insight into how the interactions between student and advisor affect retention issues.

A non-experimental descriptive research design was employed to investigate the differences between …