Presenting problems of university counseling center clients: A snapshot and multivariate classification scheme.

Abstract

A multivariate categorization scheme for classifying clients' presenting problems was empirically developed. Six hundred and eleven clients who sought services at a university counseling center completed the Computerized Assessment System for Psychotherapy Evaluation and Research (L. McCullough & A. D. Farrell, 1983). Descriptive statistics, cluster analysis, cluster differentiation by external variables, and stability of cluster solutions across subsamples are presented. Nine clusters of clients with different types of presenting problems that were stable across subsamples were identified. This multivariate approach provides a more complex assessment of clients' presenting problems that may have implications for case disposition, therapeutic interventions, prevention interventions, and research pertaining to coping, help seeking, and therapeutic outcomes.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Substance Use Disorders in College Students

“…During the most recent period assessed (1996)(1997)(1998)(1999)(2000)(2001), the percentage of students presenting for treatment who reported physical abuse, sexual assault, and substance abuse was 12, 3.5, and 7%, respectively. A cluster analysis of 611 counseling center clients assessed in 6 areas of functioning (suicidality, thought disorders, physical problems, interpersonal problems, mood problems, and leisure activity impairment), 10% had significant impairment in all areas and 8% had problems with substance use (Heppner, Kivlighan, Good, Roehlke, Hills, & Ashby, 1994), a finding replicated by a subsequent study of 6 years of intake information (Pledge, Lapan, Heppner, Kivlighan, & Roehlke, 1998).…”

The MCCI (Millon College Counseling Inventory) in an Ethnically Diverse Student Population

“…Clarification in this matter is critical, as researchers, such as Corazzini (1997), have noted that not enough attentions have been given to how the increasing level of pathology among college students seeking mental health services relates to the growing diversity in demographics present among university populations. Heppner et al (1994) revealed in their study that the variable of client ethnicity was strongly associated with higher levels of distress, demonstrating the pressure related to being a member of a minority group within a predominantly white institution and the possible reluctance to use counseling services, unless levels of stress become more intense. To complicate matters, discrepancies between the level of students' reported distress and students' actual distress have been cited in the literature (Kelley, Kahn, & Coulter, 1996;Solberg, Ritsma, Davis, & Tata, 1994).…”

“…Other well-established assessment measures, such as the BDI (Beck Depression Inventory), the SCL-90-R (Symptom Checklist-90-Revised), the BSI (Brief Symptom Inventory) and the Mooney Problem Checklist, have shown to have some limitations when utilized in college counseling settings (Hayes, 1997;Hayes & Mahalik, 2000;Heppner, Kivlighan, Good, Roehlke, Hills, & Ashby, 1994;Svanum & Zody, 2001;Todd, Deane, & Mckenna, 1997). They used a univariate approach and collecting data primarily from mid-Western, predominantly Caucasian universities, with questionable results regarding of the reliability and validity of a culturally and ethnical diverse student body (Hayes, 1997;Hayes & Mahalik, 2000;Todd et al, 1997;Svanum & Zody, 2001;Heppner et al, 1994).…”

“…They used a univariate approach and collecting data primarily from mid-Western, predominantly Caucasian universities, with questionable results regarding of the reliability and validity of a culturally and ethnical diverse student body (Hayes, 1997;Hayes & Mahalik, 2000;Todd et al, 1997;Svanum & Zody, 2001;Heppner et al, 1994).…”

Development and evaluation of problem frequency scales from version 3 of the computerized assessment system for psychotherapy evaluation and research (CASPER)

“…Although low coefficients were typically found for categories with a small number of items, the mean alpha coefficient for eight categories with more than four items was .69. Heppner et al (1994) examined the structure of seven rationally derived scales composed of CASPER items in a sample of 611 clients at a university counseling center. This analysis was restricted to CASPER items that assessed frequency of problems within the past 30 days.…”