Journal of College Counseling最新文献

Despite increased interest in college students' success, there has been little research regarding students entering college with chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, and cancer. This qualitative study examined 15 college counselors' perceptions of working with first-year students with chronic illnesses. Four themes emerged from the findings: counseling preparation, interactions, counseling interventions, and needs of students. The authors discuss implications for college counseling training and practice and directions for future research.

The authors investigated the relationship between self-compassion and trait resilience and tested the potential moderating roles of these variables in the relationship between trauma exposure and general psychological distress in a sample of undergraduate students (N = 296). Results revealed a significant relationship between self-compassion and trait resilience. Self-compassion emerged as a significant moderator in this relationship, whereas trait resilience did not. Given high rates of trauma exposure in college student populations, implications for counseling are discussed.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community members can encounter daily challenges living in a heterosexist society, including the college milieu. The authors apply the tenets of relational-cultural theory (RCT) to LGBTQ college students. Furthermore, a case study is included to highlight ways counselors can infuse RCT strategies when working with this population.

The authors evaluated the cumulative effects of multiple trauma exposure and examined discrete mindfulness facets concerning trauma-related outcomes among undergraduate students (N = 157). By using self-report questionnaires, the authors found that higher trauma exposure was associated with more severe trauma symptomatology and psychological distress as well as lower quality of life. Furthermore, 4 mindfulness facets differentially predicted trauma outcomes. The authors discuss implications for college counseling counselors and researchers.

Given contemporary ethical concerns, the authors conducted a national survey of 216 college counselors’ perceptions of integrating religious and spiritual issues in multicultural counseling and counselor education. Using cluster analysis, the authors identified 4 patterns of commitments to multiculturalism and religiosity. Respondents demonstrated ethical bracketing in that they considered religious and spiritual issues favorably within the framework of multicultural counseling, irrespective of their commitments to those topics. Counselors can openly address spiritual and religious diversity.

The development and validation of the 29-item Understanding Mental Health Scale (UMHS) is described. This new questionnaire measures college students' understanding of mental health issues. The authors also identified significant demographic differences in students' understanding of mental health issues. A principal factor analysis revealed a 2-factor solution. The dimensions were labeled Risk-Factor Awareness and External Support Awareness. Findings suggest the UMHS demonstrates adequate reliability and validity. Implications for college counseling are discussed.

This study examined how financial stress was related to psychological distress as measured by the Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms–62 (Locke et al., 2011). Data were collected from students seeking psychological services at a large midwestern university. Results indicated that higher levels of financial stress are associated with greater family distress, academic distress, overall distress, and lower grade point average. Group differences are presented and discussed. Suggestions for addressing financial stress in counseling are provided.