Diabetes Knowledge: What Do College Students Know

This study investigates students' knowledge about diabetes, with a focus on academic disciplines and gender. Data were collected from 218 students enrolled at a large public university. Descriptive statistics were employed, and factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed. The results showed that, while participants seemed to have some knowledge about diabetes, they generally lacked specific content information about the disease. Female students outperformed male students in diabetes knowledge. Rehabilitation counselor educators can offer an invaluable service by covering the topic of diabetes in their courses and curricula. They can consider incorporating specific information about diabetes that can better prepare students as rehabilitation counseling professionals and informed citizens, while ensuring that male and female students have the same level of diabetes knowledge.

Counseling in Aphasia: Information and Strategies for Speech-Language Pathologists

Purpose The purpose of this tutorial is to provide an overview of mental health concerns of persons with aphasia (PWAs), strategies that speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can use to address the mental health concerns of PWAs within their scope of practice, guidance related to how SLPs can help facilitate access to appropriate mental health services, and suggestions for the future of pre- and postcertification education regarding counseling in aphasia for SLPs. Method This tutorial begins with a case study that is used as a reference point throughout the tutorial. It then introduces the gap in mental health services for PWAs that prompted this work, walks SLPs through common mental health concerns PWAs experience, and provides guidance for SLPs related to counseling techniques they can utilize within their sessions and referral to counseling professionals. We end by reiterating the need for more mental health awareness and training for SLPs and suggestions for incorporating more training related to addressing client mental health concerns and developing effective collaborations with rehabilitation and mental health counselors, as needed. Conclusions The mental health needs of PWAs are not being met. This is partly due to a lack of training in counseling for SLPs and a lack of training in communication techniques for rehabilitation and mental health counselors. With this tutorial, we hope to bring more awareness to the current need for mental health services for PWAs and to provide SLPs with some tools for addressing these needs among their clientele.

Sex Differences between Young Adults in the Czech and Slovak Republics in the Relationship between Alcohol-Related Consequences and Depression

In general, the Czech and Slovak Republic are among the countries with increased alcohol consumption. It is clear that increased consumption can predict the occurrence of negative consequences that may subsequently be associated with various mental disorders. One of these mental disorders is depression, which is common in young adults and brings difficulties into their lives that can turn into problems in the future. The study examined the relationship between alcohol-related consequences and depressive symptoms in a sample of university students from the Czech and Slovak Republics in order to map the situation in these regions, where this problem is still ignored (n = 2514; CZE = 47.5%). The research included data from standardized questionnaires, namely the Young Adult Alcohol Consequences Questionnaire (YAACQ), which can predict alcohol use problems, and Health Questionnaire of depression (PHQ-9). The data was collected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Regarding sex differences, a higher YAACQ score was found in males and, conversely, a higher PHQ-9 score was identified in females. The results of correlation and regression analyses revealed significant associations between the scores in the individual YAACQ subscales and the PHQ-9 score, while low to moderate correlations were found in most cases. In all cases, positive trajectories were identified, meaning that the increased risk of depressive disorder can be associated with experience in selected dimensions of alcohol-related consequences. Stronger associations occurred in females than in males. In terms of practical implications, high priority was given to prevention programs and counseling. Professionals’ efforts to help young people should be sex-oriented, while females were more vulnerable to depression, males were prone to the consequences of alcohol use.

College Transition Program for Student-Athletes (CTPSA): A Psychoeducational Group for Boys of Color

This article suggests a group intervention for student-athlete boys of color who intend to play sports in college. This group is a component of a larger proposed school-wide program, the College Transition Program for Student-Athletes (CTPSA). The CTPSA’s suggested group intervention offers school counselors a college readiness option to support the college application process, college adjustment, and transition for boys of color who are student-athletes. We discuss the group’s purpose, design, format, curriculum, and expected outcomes and present implications for school counselors and other counseling professionals.

The Assessment of School Counseling Competencies as a Tool to Support School Counseling Students, Supervisors, and Training Programs

The Assessment of School Counseling Competencies (ASCC) is a measure designed to assess school counseling trainees’ student learning outcomes in four domains: (a) school counseling program development; (b) academic, career, and social/emotional student services; (c) evaluation and assessment; and (d) professional dispositions and behaviors. The ASCC aligns with standards from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs and the American School Counselor Association, supporting sound evaluation processes and continuous programmatic improvement. This article (a) reviews the developmental needs of school counselors in training and the importance of sound evaluation measures; (b) introduces the ASCC as a tool to promote the development of reflective, ethical, and effective school counseling professionals; and (c) offers implications of the ASCC for quality program evaluation and research.

Healthy Romantic Relationships: Attitudes and Perceptions of College Students

Sexual assault (SA) is a serious issue affecting college students in romantic relationships. Having strong understandings of what constitutes healthy romantic relationships (HRR) can protect students by allowing them to better recognize SA and other problematic behaviors in relationships. However, little research has explored how students conceptualize HRR. Utilizing qualitative thematic analysis, this study analyzed data from individual and focus-group interviews from a sample of 45 students at a southwestern university in the United States. Findings indicated that students understood HRR to be characterized by direct communication, respect, and mutual satisfaction. However, their experiences showed that these ideals were not always achieved. This discrepancy may be explained by the influence of social norms, particularly around sexual behavior and gender role expectations. Implications and recommendations for social workers/counseling professionals are discussed.

Family Dynamics and Elder Financial Exploitation by Family-Member Powers-of-Attorney Agents

Elder family financial exploitation (EFFE) is a growing problem likely to increase due to population aging. Older people, often considered vulnerable, are frequently targeted for financial exploitation. Relatives, identified as the largest group of perpetrators often misuse powers of attorney (POA); nevertheless, relationship complexity and dependencies, and family privacy result in underreporting and infrequent prosecutions. The aim of this research is to understand family risk factors that could be used for prevention and early detection. We hypothesized that family dynamics in EFFE families compared to non-EFFE families having family-member POA agents would be at greater risk when these risk factors were present. Our larger multi-state research team created a survey to collect demographic and situational data and to explore family-member and elder characteristics and specific family dynamics that could later place older relatives at risk for EFFE. Analyses consisted of testing whether poor family functioning, ineffective communication/problem-solving dynamics, resource exchange patterns, conflict before/during resource distribution, and entitlement attitudes were statistically associated with the occurrence of EFFE. Specifically, we tested a series of hierarchical logistic regressions to examine the association of family dynamic variables with EFFE. Results suggest that fairness conflict, exchange expectations, entitlement expectations, and communication patterns were statistically associated with EFFE. Current family communication patterns were not a statistical predictor of EFFE. These results could prompt older persons and relevant healthcare, legal, financial, law enforcement, social service, and counseling professionals to work proactively with families and mid-life and older adults to consider risk factors before making end-of-life decisions.

Managing Student Suicidality on Campus: Perspectives from Diverse Student Affairs Staff

Suicidal behavior is a substantial public health issue faced by college campuses. College counseling professionals often interact with a variety of other student affairs professionals who may be involved in the management of suicidality on campus. However, research on their experiences and perspectives on this topic is scarce. In this study, we build on literature related to management of suicidality on campus, which is predominantly focused on campus counseling professionals. Fifteen semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with student affairs professionals to explore how professionals on campuses might better work together to prevent crises and support students at elevated risk for suicide. Recurrent and emerging themes included barriers impeding their ability to best serve suicidal students, their perceptions on what factors make students vulnerable to suicide, and suggestions for future research. We conclude with a discussion of options to increase quantity and quality of service provision on campus for suicidal students.

Knowledge is Power: An Analysis of Counseling Professionals’ Medicare Policy Proficiency

This study examines counseling professionals’ knowledge concerning the Medicare program and related advocacy efforts. American Counseling Association members (N = 5,097) answered a series of true-false questions that were intended to measure proficiency in two areas: Medicare policy and the counseling profession’s advocacy for provider eligibility. Statistical analyses indicated that members have a wide range of Medicare knowledge. A significant difference in advocacy history knowledge was found when comparing counselor educators, practicing counselors, doctoral students, and master’s students. However, no differences in policy knowledge were present among these groups. Implications for the counseling profession and counselor training are discussed.

Inquiring About Client Cultural Identities: A Content Analysis of Intake Paperwork

We assessed clinical intake paperwork (N = 128) from three similar, mid-sized Midwestern counties for cultural variable inclusion and response formats (i.e., checkbox, open-ended) via systematic content analysis. We found no patterns across intakes or geographic area in terms of which cultural variables counselors included on their intake paperwork, though we found consistency in terms of response type. To date, few researchers have examined counselor intake paperwork, specifically cultural variable inclusion, and theoretical recommendations are inconsistent. We suggest that asking about client cultural identities on intake paperwork is a vital first step in the counseling process, demonstrating openness, warmth, and unconditional positive regard as a foundation for the working alliance. We present pertinent literature and research findings and offer recommendations for counseling professionals to strengthen cultural identity inclusion in their intake paperwork.