Julia C. Phillips

Research Self-Efficacy, the Research Training Environment, and Research Productivity among Graduate Students in Counseling Psychology

The relationship between research self-efficacy, the research training environment, and research productivity was examined among a sample of 125 graduate students in counseling psychology. All participants completed a measure of self-efficacy in research, the Research Training Environment Scale, and a demographic questionnaire that included a measure of research productivity. Results revealed a positive relationship between research self-efficacy and the research training environment, and between self-efficacy and productivity. A significant relationship was not observed between the research training environment and productivity when the data were analyzed across all participants. Developmental differences between beginning versus advanced graduate students were examined, as were possible differences based on gender and ethnicity. Implications of the findings for training and research are discussed.

Methodological and Content Review of Lesbian-, Gay-, and Bisexual-Related Articles in Counseling Journals: 1990-1999

Despite the reduction of overt heterosexist biases in the psychological literature, questions exist about the content and methodology of articles on lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) issues in the counseling literature. This study provides a content and methodological analysis of 119 LGB-related articles that were published in eight major counseling journals from 1990-1999 and extends past reviews by examining issues related to bisexuality. Increasing integration of LGB issues in the counseling literature was apparent, as were methodological improvements in empirical research. Various limitations also emerged, such as the need for more theory-based research, instrument development, and attention to within-group differences (e.g., bisexual people and LGB people of color). Findings are discussed against the backdrop of the sociopolitical context of American psychology, with an emphasis on implications for future LGB-related research, practice, and training.

Revisiting Feminist Identity Development Theory, Research, and Practice

The model of feminist identity development proposed by Downing and Roush in 1985 is revisited as a potentially useful framework in counseling psychology theory, research, and practice. An examination of the historical context from which the model arose illustrates how it advanced theory in the psychology of women. A critical review of the extant empirical literature is generally supportive of the models original tenets and is indicative of its promise for application to practice. However; measurement and methodological concerns point to the need for more research, especially on the models relevance to more diverse populations. Recent social and scientific advances inform future directions for theory, research, and practice.

Testing the Acceptance Model of Intuitive Eating With College Women Athletes

Intuitive eating is an adaptive eating style that involves eating for physical rather than emotional reasons, reliance on internal hunger and satiety cues, and lack of restriction in eating. In our study, the authors tested the acceptance model of intuitive eating with 160 college women athletes from Division I and Division II schools, using path analysis and controlling for body mass index. Similar to a previous study with general college women, the model provided an excellent fit to the data. These results support the hypothesis that perceived acceptance from others indirectly contributes to intuitive eating through college women athletes’ attitudes toward their bodies. For college women athletes, body acceptance by coaches, trainers, and teammates predicted athletes’ own body appreciation, which in turn, predicted their eating style. These findings suggest ways for coaches and counselors to help women athletes enhance their body appreciation and improve their eating. These results also indicate the need for researchers to further explore women athletes’ eating styles and attitudes toward their bodies.

Design and Implementation of a Grassroots Precollege Program for Latino Youth

This article discusses the design and implementation of a grassroots culturally and linguistically sensitive program designed to promote the pursuit of higher education among Latino youth. Latinos en Camino al Exito Universitario is an example of a culturally responsive program delivered out of a university counseling center as part of the training for multicultural competency for interns. Participants were 30 middle and high school students with supplementary parental involvement. Although outcome data were limited, positive outcomes included increased knowledge and confidence about college and precollege experiences. This article discusses how the program was developed, from recruitment to implementation, and how it was designed to meet the unique needs of Latino youth.

A Welcome Addition to the Literature: Nonpolarized Approaches to Sexual Orientation and Religiosity

It has been fascinating to read and reflect on this set of articles, and it is my belief that the counseling field will be strengthened as a result of this major contribution. Morrow and Beckstead’s (2004 [this issue]) introductory article offers a balanced overview of the history related to conversion therapy and highlights recent research and commentary in the area. As a result of the studies by Beckstead and Morrow (2004 [this issue]) and Tozer and Hayes (2004 [this issue]), more is known about people who seek conversion therapy and about the experiences of those who have participated in it. Furthermore, the results of these studies have direct implications for ethical practice with same-sex-attracted clients in religious conflict, and Haldeman (2004 [this issue]) presents useful case examples of a client-centered approach to practice. In this reaction, I will share some thoughts about the complexity of doing therapy with persons who are same-sex attracted and in religious conflict as well as some ideas for engaging in social justice efforts to decrease the perceived need for “conversion therapy.”

Preliminary Examination and Measurement of the Internship Research Training Environment.

Consistent with C. J. Gelsos (1979, 1993, 1997) research training environment theory, the authors hypothesized that research training environments exist in predoctoral internships. The Internship Research Training Environment Scale (IRTES) was developed to assess research training environments found in predoctoral psychology internships. Preliminary reliability and validity data are reported for scores on the IRTES using a sample of 84 former counseling center interns. Factor analysis of the final 23-item scale indicated a 4-factor solution accounting for 65% of the variance with distinct, but related factors. Internal consistency estimates were moderate to high. Hypothesized relationships with other variables were examined and also provide initial support for construct and predictive validity. Implications for theory, training, and future research are discussed.

Eight Articles, Eight Journals, 8 Years: Selected Disappointments and Celebrations From an Outstanding Major Contribution

This reaction paper highlights what the author views as remarkable and particularly laudable about this major contribution on lesbian, gay, and bisexual people of color; some disappointments that emerged, especially from the results of the content analysis; and a few thoughts extending those already offered in this outstanding set of major contribution articles. Particularly impressive is the quantity and quality of scholarship presented in this set of articles, how they build on one another, and the utility for future researchers, teachers, and scholars in the field of multicultural psychology. Selected disappointments include continued invisibility of various persons in subordinate groups within this area of scholarship and problematic sampling and recruitment strategies used in much of the past research. The authors who contributed to this major contribution identify and use many excellent strategies to overcome a number of the disappointments that are noted.

Evidence-Based Practice in Psychology among College Counseling Center Clinicians

ABSTRACT This empirically based study sought to discover factors underlying diverse sources of information used to inform therapy practice, perceived salience of sources of evidence for clinical practice, importance of common factors to therapy efficiency, and beliefs about evidence-based practice, particularly in the form of evidence-supported treatments (ESTs). The investigation also sought to uncover possible relationships between a variety of individually based demographics and institutionally based demographics and their possible relationship to factors underlying these diverse sources of information. A number of interesting findings emerged.

Society of Counseling Psychology Leadership Academy: Cultivating Leadership Competence and Community:

The Society of Counseling Psychology Leadership Academy is a year-long program designed to engage and develop student and early career psychologist leaders in counseling psychology. As a division of the American Psychological Association, the Society of Counseling Psychology is part of a nonprofit professional organization that seeks to recruit and retain members as well as to develop talent to meet future organizational leadership needs. This article describes the history of the Leadership Academy, its conceptual foundations, curriculum and program components, and associated implementation processes. We discuss how we utilized results of a formative program evaluation to improve the program over time. Outcomes associated with three cohorts of the Leadership Academy suggest that the program was largely effective in achieving its functional goals. Conclusions and recommendation for leadership development and research are discussed.