Catherine Y. Chang

A Trio of Turmoil for Internet Sexually Addicted Men Who Have Sex with Men: Boredom Proneness, Social Connectedness, and Dissociation

This article explores the impact of boredom proneness, social connectedness, and online dissociation in Internet sexually addicted men who have sex with men (MSM). Increased levels of boredom, diminished social connections, and dissociative symptoms while engaged in excessive online sexual activities are conceptualized as components that facilitate and maintain Internet sexual addiction. An overview of the literature pertaining to extreme online sexual behavior among MSM is presented and the constructs of boredom proneness, social connectedness, and dissociation are delineated. Assessment strategies for helping professionals who work with sexually addicted MSM are discussed. Implications for future research are presented.

Initial Development and Psychometric Data for the Privilege and Oppression Inventory.

Abstract The authors describe the development of the Privilege and Oppression Inventory, a measure that assesses counselors’ awareness of privilege and oppression along dimensions of race, sexual orientation, religion, and gender. Initial item development as well as psychometric information derived from factor analyses, reliability estimation, and validation procedures is presented.

Cross-Racial Supervision: A Developmental Approach for White Supervisors Working with Supervisees of Color.

Abstract The counseling profession is becoming more aware of the importance of racial and cultural issues in counselor education and supervision. However, the majority of the current literature concerning racial and cultural dimensions is limited to cross-cultural counseling and assessment. Cross-racial issues have not been addressed widely within the supervision process. The purpose of this article is to examine the benefits and challenges related to cross-racial supervision, and discuss the significance of integrating racial identity development in the supervision process. A summary of the literature on cross-racial supervision will be presented and a developmental approach to cross-racial supervision between a white supervisor and a supervisee of color will be discussed.

A Pilot Study Assessing the Effectiveness of an Animal-Assisted Outreach Program

The prevalence of anxiety and loneliness on college campuses and the simultaneous reduction in college counseling center resources has created a need for creative approaches that meet the needs of student populations. This exploratory study evaluated the effectiveness of an animal-assisted therapy (AAT) outreach program on symptoms of anxiety and loneliness among college students (N = 55) at a small arts college. Results revealed significant decreases in self-reported anxiety and loneliness scores following the AAT intervention. Additionally, the goals of sessions and approach of interventions significantly predicted lower anxiety scores but did not predict the reduction of loneliness scores. Lastly, interaction with the dog was identified as the most impactful aspect of the intervention. The results of this study reveal that AAT outreach interventions may be an efficient and effective way for university and college counseling centers to meet the growing demands of their student populations.

Addressing Social Justice Issues in Supervision: A Call for Client and Professional Advocacy

Given the increased awareness of the need for counselors to be social change agents to best meet the needs of the clients they serve, the counseling profession has adopted competencies and standards to guide advocacy efforts. Supervision offers a forum for facilitating the development of these necessary skills for effective advocacy. This article presents a three-tier model to assist supervisors in preparing future counselor advocates. Framed within a social constructivist epistemology, the model facilitates the examination of social justice issues relative to client advocacy and professional advocacy in relation to self-awareness, client services, and community collaboration. Supplemental activities follow.

Prioritizing questions and methods for an international and interdisciplinary supervision research agenda: Suggestions by eight scholars

Eight active supervision scholars provide their perspectives on priorities for advancing research in clinical supervision. Based on proposals they presented at an invited symposium held during the 11th International Interdisciplinary Conference on Clinical Supervision, the authors propose research questions around multicultural identities, supervisor expertise, supervision models, and research methods. Although neither a comprehensive nor exhaustive list of priorities, the authors hope the article encourages dialogue across disciplines and countries that expand understanding of clinical supervision practice and supervisor education.

Emergent Theory and Model of Practice in Animal-Assisted Therapy in Counseling

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is widely applicable across a variety of mental health settings, but little is known about the theoretical underpinnings of mental health providers who employ this technique. This qualitative study explored providers’ philosophical framework and approach to AAT in counseling. Four categories emerged: (a) possessing unique skills and competencies, (b) utilizing a highly developed relationship with a therapy animal, (c) impacting the therapeutic process, and (d) enhancing the scope of traditional counselor–client relationships. Finally, implications for practice and research are discussed.

Predictors of Academic Procrastination in Asian International College Students

This study examined the relationships among acculturative stress, coping styles, self-efficacy, English language proficiency, and various demographic characteristics as predictors of procrastination behavior in Asian International students (N = 255) studying in the United States. Results of multiple logistic regression indicated that a collective coping style, avoidant coping style, academic self-efficacy, and English language proficiency were the significant predictors of academic procrastination in non-Indian Asian international students. Implications for college student affairs professionals and researchers are addressed.

Lifestyle as a Predictor of Posttraumatic Growth

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is a process that develops from a cognitive response to cope with traumatic events and an outcome that sees positive personal changes (Calhoun & Tedeschi, 2006). Coping and certain personality traits have the potential to influence PTG. The purpose of this study is to examine the contributory roles of personality themes and coping resources, and their interaction on PTG in a sample of college students. Hierarchal regression analyses determined that coping resources, social interest, and being cautious (∆R2 = .075, β = .352, p < .01) were all significant predictors of PTG after variance explained by age was partialed out.

AARC Standards for Multicultural Research

Purpose The impetus for creating the Standards for Multicultural Research is based upon the idea that multicultural competence continues to evolve as research and evidence-based practices inform the profession of counseling. These standards aim to address research that focuses on multiculturalism as well as general multicultural considerations in research. The goal is to promote cultural intentionality, inclusion, and responsiveness. As such, the development of these standards is an attempt to address the potential obstacles, challenges, and rewarding aspects of developing and producing research that is multiculturally competent. Consequently, this document will provide minimum and current standards of practice. Professional counselors, counselor educators, and counseling researchers are continually encouraged to utilize these standards and seek out best practices related to research and multiculturalism. Finally, this document is expected to be updated over time, as ideas around multiculturalism evolve and influence the nature of research practices in professional counseling and counselor education.