Keywords
Polynesian American college students, university counseling centers, college student psychological adjustment, counseling utilization
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.
Original Publication Citation
Allen, G. E. K., Cox, J., Smith, T. B., Griner, D., Beecher, M., *Hafoka, O. (2016). Psychotherapy utilization and presenting concerns among Polynesian American college students. The Counseling Psychologist, 44 (1), 28-49.
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Allen, Kawika; Cox, Jon; Smith, Timothy B.; Hafoka, Ofa; Griner, Derek; and Beecher, Mark, "Psychotherapy Utilization and Presenting Concerns Among Polynesian American College Students" (2016). Faculty Publications. 3180.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub/3180
Document Type
Peer-Reviewed Article
Publication Date
2016
Permanent URL
http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5992
Publisher
Sage
Language
English
College
David O. McKay School of Education
Department
Counseling Psychology and Special Education