Discrimination experiences may contribute to the chronic stress experienced by Black Americans, leaving these individuals particularly vulnerable to mental health concerns. In turn, individuals may utilize social media platforms as a place for online community and shared experience. At the same time, social media may also amplify evidence of global discrimination, further contributing to chronic stress felt in Black communities. Presently, little is known about the relationships between discrimination, chronic stress, and social media use. Multiple regressions and moderation analyses (N = 246) explored the predictive nature of social media use and discrimination on chronic stress in a sample of Black American college students. Results provide initial support for the potential negative impact of social media on chronic stress. Clinical implications for professional counselors are provided.

Individuals often turn to religion or spirituality to cope with or make sense of trauma. In this study of 222 university students who reported a history of trauma, we examined whether God representation and attachment to God were associated with posttraumatic outcomes. Trauma outcomes include both the negative impacts of trauma and the perceived posttraumatic growth (PTG) that can occur in trauma survivors. Results revealed that both an authoritarian representation of God and an avoidant attachment to God were predictive of experiences of PTG.

No abstract

In advance of the practicum and internship experiences, counselor educators are challenged to provide realistic simulations of the counseling relationship for students. We describe a pilot collaboration between an introductory counseling and an applied theatre course to elucidate the mutual benefits of incorporating theatrical improvisation into the counseling curriculum.