Choice of helpers, types of problems and sex of helpers of college students

Abstract

Abstract. A study was conducted to determine what sort of problems beset college students and whether they select different helpers for different problems. A two page questionnaire listing 20 common problems, and 18 different helpers was administered to 80 male and 155 female students at Kuwait University. It was found that males and females differed significantly on six problems (family, self-confidence, behavior, death, work and grades). Different helpers were selected for different types of problems, and for 18 of the 20 problems, males and females chose a same-sex helper. The results are explained within the context of the Arab culture and the implications for counseling are discussed.

Problems and Preferences for Source of Help Among United Arab Emirates University Students

“…Research on college students' problems and concerns in various cultural contexts has revealed that students are likely to experience personal, emotional, social, career, and academic difficulties during their college lives, for which they are in need of professional assistance (cf., Al-Darmaki 2003;Benton et al 2003;Chandler and Gallagher 1996;Heppner et al 1994;Lucas 1992;Soliman 1993). Moreover, researchers have reported an increase in college students' problems over time (Benton et al 2003;Heppner et al 1994;Pledge et al 1998).…”

“…Likewise, Arab college students were found to be experiencing personal problems, as well as academic and career problems (Al-Nabhan et al 2000;Hannoura 1988;Soliman 1993). In the UAE, very few studies have examined problems encountered by college students (e.g., Mahmood et al 2001;Shawqi 2003).…”

“…Decisions such as selection of a spouse, or choice of career and education are often made by the family. Seeking help from professional or non-professional sources is also typically determined by the family (Eapen and Ghuash 2004;Sayed 2003;Soliman 1993). It is expected that family issues and personal problems should be discussed within the family, and disclosure of such issues to outsiders is considered a betrayal and a weakness in the individual (Sayed 2002).…”

“…The studies undertaken have focused mainly on identifying common problems experienced by Emirati college students as reported by them. Only one study (Soliman 1993) has examined college students' preferences for obtaining help in relation to type of problems they have experienced. To the knowledge of the researcher, college students' help-seeking preferences have not been investigated in the UAE.…”

“…In the Arab world, a number of studies have been conducted on the problems of Arab college students in general (e.g., Al-Nabhan et al 2000;Soliman 1993), yet, very few studies have been conducted on Emirati college students in particular (Mahmood et al 2001;Shawqi 2003). The studies undertaken have focused mainly on identifying common problems experienced by Emirati college students as reported by them.…”