Showing papers in "The Counseling Psychologist in 2016"
TL;DR: A variety of conceptualizations of psychological health have been proposed including hedo... as mentioned in this paper, including hedonic, cognitive, emotional, and cognitive. But, the most common conceptualizations are those based on psychological health and well-being.
Abstract: Interest in the study of psychological health and well-being has increased significantly in recent decades. A variety of conceptualizations of psychological health have been proposed including hedo...
299 citations
TL;DR: The authors explored the experience of gendered racial microaggressions (i.e., subtle and everyday verbal, behavioral, and environmental expressions of oppression based on the intersection of one's race and gender) among Black women at a predominantly white university.
Abstract: This study explored the experience of gendered racial microaggressions (i.e., subtle and everyday verbal, behavioral, and environmental expressions of oppression based on the intersection of one’s race and gender) among Black women at a predominantly White university. A total of 17 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students participated in one of two semistructured focus group discussions. Using dimensional analysis, three core gendered racial microaggression themes were uncovered, each with two subthemes: Projected Stereotypes (expectation of the Jezebel, expectation of the Angry Black Woman), Silenced and Marginalized (struggle for respect, invisibility), and Assumptions About Style and Beauty (assumptions about communication styles, assumptions about aesthetics). Results indicated that Black women experience microaggressions based on the stereotypes that exist about their gendered racial group. Findings support and extend the literature by developing a taxonomy of gendered racial microaggressio...
137 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the conceptual frameworks and assumptions of average-level and person-centered techniques such as group-based trajectory modeling and latent growth mixture modeling are discussed, and a nontechnical guide for conducting these analyses using data from a study of psychotherapy outcomes in a sample of mental health center clients (N = 1,050).
Abstract: Many issues of interest to counseling psychologists involve questions regarding how individuals change over time. Although counseling psychologists often examine average levels of change, statistical methods can also identify patterns of change over time by empirically grouping together individuals with similar patterns of change (e.g., group-based trajectory modeling and latent growth mixture modeling). The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of these methods for counseling psychologists. We discuss the conceptual frameworks and assumptions of average-level and person-centered techniques such as group-based trajectory modeling and latent growth mixture modeling. We provide a nontechnical guide for conducting these analyses using data from a study of psychotherapy outcomes in a sample of mental health center clients (N = 1,050). We discuss caveats associated with these methods, including the potential for overinterpreting nongeneralizable results. Last, we suggest best practices for reportin...
90 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a content analysis of more than a decade (2002-2012) of academic scholarship about trans people and issues is presented. But the analysis focused on the topics of focus thus far, such as psychological and identity-related distress.
Abstract: This study provides a content analysis of more than a decade (2002–2012) of academic scholarship about trans people and issues. A total of 960 trans-focused publications were coded; there was a close balance of nonempirical (54%) and empirical (46%) publications. The analyses revealed that the literature on trans people and issues is growing, although many publications include trans people and issues nominally without substantive attention. The analyses also pointed to underutilized research designs and methodologies, the need for more clear assessment and more consistent reporting of demographic characteristics, and topics that warrant further attention. Specifically, literature on trans people and issues continues to be needed on the topics of focus thus far, such as psychological and identity-related distress. Scholarship is also needed to address important topics that have been understudied, including self-harm and suicide, positive functioning and mental health promoting factors, developmental issues...
69 citations
TL;DR: The authors examined the salutary effects and interactions of three Chinese indigenous well-being constructs, namely relationship harmony (advocated by Confucianism), dialectical coping (derived from Taoism), and nonattachment (based on Buddhism), on mental health.
Abstract: Our study aims to examine the salutary effects and interactions of three Chinese indigenous well-being (CIWB) constructs, namely relationship harmony (advocated by Confucianism), dialectical coping (derived from Taoism), and nonattachment (based on Buddhism) on mental health. Participants were 262 Taiwanese college students. Results revealed that the three CIWB constructs showed distinct associations with mental health. Relationship harmony was related negatively to psychological distress and positively to meaning in life and happiness. Dialectical coping predicted higher levels of positive affect and meaning in life, whereas nonattachment was the only and strongest protective factor against negative affect and psychological distress. Overall, nonattachment demonstrated the most adaptive effects on mental health. Additionally, moderation effects between dialectical coping and nonattachment on self-esteem, psychological distress, and happiness were observed. These findings underscore the importance of simu...
50 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined patterns in trans individuals' multiple identities and mental health outcomes and found that socioeconomic and racial privilege was characterized by individuals who were more likely to identify as trans.
Abstract: The present study examined patterns in trans individuals’ multiple identities and mental health outcomes. Cluster 1 (socioeconomic and racial privilege; n = 239) was characterized by individuals wh...
49 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors aim to provide readers with tools to critically consider decisions related to conducting research with trans populations, and present the historical and contemporary contex cation of trans populations.
Abstract: In this article, we aim to provide readers with tools to critically consider decisions related to conducting research with trans populations. We first present the historical and contemporary contex...
49 citations
TL;DR: Based on focus group and individual interviews with 26 combat veterans, this article examined the psychosocial and interpersonal consequences of killing in war and concluded that the consequences of war can be categorized into two categories: psychological and interpersonal.
Abstract: Based on focus group and individual interviews with 26 combat veterans, this qualitative thematic analysis examines the psychosocial and interpersonal consequences of killing in war. It describes t...
47 citations
TL;DR: This paper examined racially biased callback responses in the mental health field by leaving voicemails soliciting services with practicing counselors and psychologists (N = 371) to manipulate perceived race, an actor identified herself with either a stereotypically Black- or non-Latino White-sounding name.
Abstract: Using an audit study, we examined racially biased callback responses in the mental health field by leaving voicemails soliciting services with practicing counselors and psychologists (N = 371). To manipulate perceived race, an actor identified herself with either a stereotypically Black- or non–Latino White-sounding name. Although the difference in callback rate between the two names was not significant, the difference in voice messages from therapists that either promoted potential services or impeded services was significant. The caller with the stereotypically White-sounding name received voice messages that promoted the potential for services at a 12% higher rate than the caller with the stereotypically Black-sounding name. Limitations, future directions for research, and counseling implications are discussed.
43 citations
TL;DR: This article extended minority stress theory by testing expectations of stigma, internalized heterosexism, and outness as mediators of the relations of heterOSExist discrimination with minority stress.
Abstract: In the present study, we extended minority stress theory by testing expectations of stigma, internalized heterosexism, and outness as mediators of the relations of heterosexist discrimination with ...
42 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the relationship among fear of losing face, stigma, self-disclosure expectations and help-seeking attitudes using structural equation modeling with 407 Emirati college students.
Abstract: The psychological help-seeking patterns of college students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have only recently begun to be examined. Initial suggestions indicate that the majority of Emirati students treat help seeking from counselors as a last resort, which may be linked to aspects of Emirati culture including feared loss of societal face, stigma associated with seeking help, and discouragement of self-disclosure to individuals outside of the family. The relationship among fear of losing face, stigma, self-disclosure expectations (i.e., risks and benefits), and help-seeking attitudes was examined using structural equation modeling with 407 Emirati college students. Loss of face and stigma were related to self-disclosure expectations, which in turn were related to help-seeking attitudes. Gender differences were also examined with results indicating significant mean differences across all variables, as well as across two paths of the structural model. These findings are discussed within the cultural cont...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide an overview of several efforts to extend social cognitive theory to the contexts of career and personal development, including the development of a set of social cognitive career theory (SCCT) models aimed at understanding the growth-promoting functions of relationships.
Abstract: Albert Bandura’s social cognitive theory offers a remarkably flexible framework for understanding many issues of practical concern to counseling and vocational psychology. In this article, the author provides an overview of several efforts to extend social cognitive theory to the contexts of career and personal development. These have included the development of a set of social cognitive career theory (SCCT) models aimed at understanding various aspects of career and academic development. In another offshoot and extension of social cognitive theory, the author and his colleagues have explored how self-efficacy, in particular, develops and is revised in an interpersonal context. Though the latter work has thus far received less empirical attention in counseling psychology than SCCT, the “relational efficacy model” may have the potential to aid understanding of the growth-promoting functions of relationships that are of particular interest to the field, such as those involving client–therapist and supervise...
TL;DR: This article examined the effectiveness of the Hill model of helping skills training for 191 undergraduate students in six sections of a semester-long course and found that self-reported empathy predicted four of the five helping skills criteria at the beginning-of-semester assessment.
Abstract: We examined the effectiveness of the Hill model of helping skills training for 191 undergraduate students in six sections of a semester-long course. Students completed self-report, performance, and nonverbal measures at the beginning; they conducted one 20-min helping session at the beginning and another toward the end of the semester; and they completed self-efficacy measures at the end of the semester. Students’ helping skills improved over the course of the semester, as evidenced by higher helper- and volunteer client–rated session quality, reduced proportion of words spoken in sessions, increased proportion of exploration skills used in sessions, and increased self-efficacy for using helping skills. Self-reported empathy predicted four of the five helping skills criteria at the beginning-of-semester assessment. Facilitative interpersonal skills predicted end-of-semester self-efficacy in helping skills when controlling for retrospective prelevels and instructor effects. Implications for training and re...
TL;DR: This article explored the link between bisexual women's experiences of anti-bisexual discrimination and disordered eating, while examining potential mediating variables underlyin the relationship between discrimination and eating disorders.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore the link between bisexual women’s experiences of anti-bisexual discrimination and disordered eating, while examining potential mediating variables underlyin...
TL;DR: This article examined the narratives of 82 adoptive parents (41 couples: 15 lesbian, 15 gay male, 11 heterosexual) of young children (M age = 5.81 years) with a focus on understanding parents' socialization practices and strategies surrounding race (among parents of children of color), and family structure (among lesbian or gay [LG] parents).
Abstract: This study examined the narratives of 82 adoptive parents (41 couples: 15 lesbian, 15 gay male, 11 heterosexual) of young children (M age = 5.81 years) with a focus on understanding parents’ socialization practices and strategies surrounding race (among parents of children of color), and family structure (among lesbian or gay [LG] parents). Most parents described an engaged approach to socialization surrounding their children’s racial minority and LG-parent family statuses, employing strategies such as (a) holding parent–child conversations aimed at instilling pride, (b) seeking communities that reflect their child’s identities (more often LG than heterosexual), and (c) educating about racism and heterosexism. Some parents described a cautious approach in which they acknowledged their child’s racial background and LG-parent family status but were cautious about not being overly focused on their differences. A minority of parents (more often heterosexual than LG) described an avoidant approach, whereby the...
TL;DR: This paper used item response theory (IRT) to analyze response format performance and collapse poorly performing categories, evaluate differential item functioning sex bias, and select items to maximize subscale sensitivity and bandwidth.
Abstract: Item response theory (IRT) is not widely used in counseling psychology research, despite its considerable advantages for instrument development. Focus groups help create a broad and representative item pool that is more likely to tap the full range of the latent dimension, thereby capitalizing on IRT strengths. We provide suggestions for using these tools, with an empirical example, the Everyday Multicultural Competencies/Revised Scale of Ethnocultural Empathy (EMC/RSEE). Rasch IRT methods were used to (a) analyze response format performance and collapse poorly performing categories, (b) evaluate differential item functioning sex bias, and (c) select items to maximize subscale sensitivity and bandwidth. Traditional classical test theory (CTT) subscales composed of items with the highest factor loadings were compared with subscales based on IRT criteria. Compared with CTT subscales, IRT subscales used in the EMC/RSEE demonstrated generally higher correlations with other variables of interest, and superior ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used qualitative research methodology to examine factors that contribute to university belonging in a sample of Asian international students (N = 11) from a large university in the Midwestern United States.
Abstract: With the rise of Asian international students choosing to pursue higher education in the United States, research that identifies ways to promote Asian international students’ sense of belonging on campus is needed. We used consensual qualitative research methodology to examine factors that contribute to university belonging in a sample of Asian international students (N = 11) from a large university in the Midwestern United States. Through data analysis, we identified 14 categories across five domains (i.e., Interpersonal Interactions, Experiences of Acculturation, Campus Environment, Emphasis on Academic Achievement, and Intrapersonal Factors) that contributed to university belonging. Our findings highlight the importance of within-group social connection, acculturative stress, and academic success on Asian international students’ sense of university belonging. We discuss differences between Asian international and domestic students’ sense of belonging as well as implications for counseling psychologists...
TL;DR: For instance, this paper examined coping strategies, attitudes toward seeking mental health counseling, public and self-stigma toward seeking medical services, and psychological adjustment among 638 Polynesian Americans.
Abstract: There is a paucity of research on the mental health of Pacific Islanders living in the United States, including those of Polynesian descent. This study examined coping strategies, attitudes toward seeking mental health counseling, public and self-stigma toward seeking mental health services, and psychological adjustment among 638 Polynesian Americans. On average, participants held neither favorable nor unfavorable attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help, but men endorsed moderate self-stigma about mental illness and women endorsed high levels of public stigma about mental illness. Women showed relatively more favorable attitudes than men about seeking help from professional mental health providers. Participants reported benefitting more from culturally congruent practices for coping with distress (accepting, reframing, striving, family support, and religiosity/spirituality) than from seeking assistance from private emotional outlets (e.g., therapy) or avoidance and detachment. Mental heal...
TL;DR: This article examined the associations between two minority stressors (perceived discrimination and acculturative stress) and depressive symptoms in college students of Mexican ancestry (N = 207) at a Hispanic-serving institution.
Abstract: This study examined familism, ethnic identity (search and commitment), and gender as moderators in the associations between two minority stressors (perceived discrimination and acculturative stress) and depressive symptoms in college students of Mexican ancestry (N = 207) at a Hispanic-serving institution. Using hierarchical multiple regression, we examined main effects and interactions of minority stress variables with hypothesized moderators. Results indicated that familism buffered the positive association between acculturative stress and depressive symptoms. Ethnic identity search and commitment showed gender-specific moderation effects in that a strong ethnic identity search or commitment was protective for women but not for men, when considerable amounts of acculturative stress were experienced. Ethnic identity search also showed gender-specific moderation effects on the association between perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms. The findings highlight the importance of examining cultural ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined psychotherapy utilization, presenting concerns, reported distress levels, and psychotherapy outcomes among Polynesian American students presenting for services at a counseling center.
Abstract: In this study, we examined psychotherapy utilization, presenting concerns, reported distress levels, and psychotherapy outcomes among Polynesian American students presenting for services at a counseling center. We collected data at intake, during therapy sessions, and at termination for 415 Polynesian American and 18,117 European American students over a 17-year period. Polynesian American students were equally likely to utilize counseling services as European American students but were more likely to drop out earlier. At intake, these students reported higher numbers of presenting concerns and greater levels of emotional and psychological distress than European American students. Polynesian American students reported significantly higher scores on racial discrimination, physical abuse, and family dependence. Implications for counseling center programs and services are discussed.
TL;DR: The authors examined how group status and legitimizing ideologies predict perception of subtle racism and found that members of low status groups and/or individuals who were less likely to endorse ideologies were more likely to perceive subtle racism.
Abstract: Identifying contemporary racism has been problematic as this type of racism, namely subtle racism, is difficult to discern, and the actions in question can be easily justified by other causes. The present study examined how group status and legitimizing ideologies predict perception of subtle racism. White (high status) and Black (low status) college students completed measures of legitimizing ideologies. Later, they watched a video clip on an ambiguous interracial conflict, recalled the clip, and judged whether the situation was attributable to racism. Findings showed that members of the low status groups and/or individuals who were less likely to endorse ideologies were more likely to perceive subtle racism. In addition, social dominance orientation indirectly predicted the perception of subtle racism through system justification legitimizing ideologies. Contrary to our hypothesis, group status did not change the relationship between ideologies and perceptions of subtle racism.
TL;DR: In this paper, a new method of measuring underemployment, polynomial regression with response surface mapping, was used to examine discrepancies between ideal and real hours worked, allowing for continuous assessment of both under- and overemployment.
Abstract: Despite the many studies examining the impact of unemployment, underemployment has often been neglected in psychology. Moreover, problems exist with the measurement of underemployment, including categorization of continuous variables and neglect of overemployment. In the current study, we used a new method of measuring underemployment, polynomial regression with response surface mapping, to examine discrepancies between ideal and real hours worked—allowing for the continuous assessment of both under- and overemployment. We also used discrepancy scores to examine variables theorized to be related to under- and overemployment: social class, work volition, job satisfaction, and meaningful work. Partially supporting our hypotheses, work volition and social class were lower for people who were under- and overemployed.
TL;DR: Cramer's model of help-seeking behavior posited that self-concealment, social support, attitudes toward counseling, and problem severity are essential in understanding individuals' intent to seek counseling.
Abstract: Cramer’s model of help-seeking behavior posited that self-concealment, social support, attitudes toward counseling, and problem severity are essential in understanding individuals’ intent to seek counseling Path analysis results from 359 Filipino university students indicated that the original Cramer’s model did not achieve the requisites of good model fit and that social support was not associated with problem severity After adding loss of face to Cramer’s model, we found positive associations with self-concealment and intent to seek counseling and a negative association with attitudes toward counseling Multiple group analysis of the expanded Cramer’s model indicated that, apart from social support and problem severity intercept differences, path coefficients, intercepts, and residual variances were invariant across gender The previously nonsignificant social support to problem severity path is now significant The addition of loss of face and accounting for gender differences in social support and p
TL;DR: This case is the first published case of an American Indian in an urban context who integrated Indigenous and professional therapies during an acute period of stress, loss, and depression and utilizes an innovative methodology to portray four approaches to healing that contribute to holistic well-being.
Abstract: We present a narrative case study of an urban American Indian male college student who integrated Indigenous and professional therapies during an acute period of stress, loss, and depression. The first published case of an American Indian in an urban context, this article expands on previous clinical cases by focusing on the perspective of the client relative to his own conceptions of help-seeking behaviors. Based on qualitative analysis of five audio-recorded interviews, this case utilizes an innovative methodology to portray four approaches to healing (medication, counseling, bonding, and spirituality), which contribute to holistic well-being. Implications for counseling psychologists include being aware of how some American Indian clients may (a) view professional treatment dynamics through a Native cultural lens (e.g., seeing ideal communication as a "rhythm"); (b) utilize an expanded range of therapeutic agents;
TL;DR: In this article, a resource for counseling psychologists and doctoral students that provides guidance and tips for successfully seeking and applying for grants that fit areas of research common in our field is presented.
Abstract: Counseling psychologists can benefit from grant funding because it can support their research and training of doctoral students. Now more than ever, universities across the nation are encouraging faculty to seek funding from external sources. This reality creates an opportunity for counseling psychologists to develop grant writing skills and take their research to new levels by obtaining funding to support larger scale studies or clinical interventions. We seek to provide a resource for counseling psychologists and doctoral students that provides guidance and tips for successfully seeking and applying for grants that fit areas of research common in our field. Topics covered in this article include how to get involved in the grant writing process, obtaining mentorship, crafting a successful application, and understanding the outcome of a grant review. Grant funding is an attainable goal for counseling psychologists at all stages of their training and career.
TL;DR: The authors investigated how gender, racial, and nationality discrimination were related to the life satisfaction of female Asian international students directly and indirectly through loneliness, as well as how these pathways differed as a function of gender, race and nationality in-group solidarity.
Abstract: This study investigated how gender, racial, and nationality discrimination were related to the life satisfaction of female Asian international students directly and indirectly through loneliness, as well as how these pathways differed as a function of gender, racial, and nationality in-group solidarity Participants were 216 female Asian international students from two public universities Results demonstrated that all three types of discrimination predicted decreased life satisfaction Loneliness mediated the relationship between perceived discrimination and life satisfaction In addition, these mediation pathways differed as a function of in-group solidarity (eg, sense of attachment to one’s racial group), providing evidence for conditional mediation effects Gender solidarity was a protective factor that mitigated feelings of loneliness when experiencing gender discrimination, whereas racial and nationality solidarity were risk factors for decreased life satisfaction when experiencing loneliness We
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors designed a qualitative, multiple case study that employed the photovoice method to explore how enculturation is experienced by three Chinese adolescents living with their families in a non-ethnically dense cultural community.
Abstract: The authors designed a qualitative, multiple case study that employed the photovoice method to explore how enculturation is experienced by three Chinese adolescents living with their families in a nonethnically dense cultural community. A total of 18 one-on-one interviews were conducted with three youth and their parents. Photos were also used as elicitation tools to understand the meaning of enculturation for each individual. Case descriptions of each adolescent are presented, followed by five cross-case themes: (a) Self-Identifying as Chinese, (b) Parental Strictness, (c) Multiple Groups of Comparison, (d) (Not) Having a Chinese Community, and (e) Messages to Excel. The findings provide a descriptive understanding of how adolescent enculturation is shaped by the family, community, and their intersections. Implications for research and practice, such as the continued need to understand enculturation as a dynamic phenomenon and process, are presented.
TL;DR: The authors found that counseling psychology researchers are less likely to engage in research activities sponsored by external funding agencies compared to other specialty areas in psychology, and the rates of articles published in the premier counseling psychology research journal (Journal of Counseling Psychology [JCP]) that reported external funding to other specialized areas' premier research journals.
Abstract: Prior research has indicated that relative to other specialty areas in psychology, counseling psychology researchers are less likely to engage in research activities sponsored by external funding agencies. The primary purposes of this article were to address external funding in the counseling psychology profession and to compare the rates of articles published in the premier counseling psychology research journal (Journal of Counseling Psychology [JCP]) that reported external funding to other specialty areas’ premier research journals. Between 2007 and 2011, articles in JCP were less likely than those in other journals to report external funding and less likely to report research designs associated with external sponsorship. Post hoc analyses indicated that articles in a leading vocational research journal also had relatively low rates of external funding, and counseling psychology faculty members were less likely than peers in other programs to report external funding. The implications of these findings ...