Students with Anxiety: Implications for Professional School Counselors

Abstract

Anxiety is one of the most pervasive mental health concerns affecting students, yet a significant number of students with anxiety disorders remain underserved. If left untreated, anxiety can hinder students’ personal/social, academic, and career development. The purpose of this article is to provide professional school counselors with helpful information about the etiology of anxiety disorders and brief, evidence-based prevention and intervention options. The authors discuss specific recommendations for the identification, assessment, and treatment of anxiety that fit within the unique school environment.

Anxiety and depression among school students in Jordan: Prevalence, risk factors, and predictors

“…At the beginning, they experience pubertal development and maturation where they gain responsibility and independence. Then, they become more concerned with their relationships and peer pressure, school attendance and academic performance, perceptions, and planning for adulthood and life decisions . This study supports the early study by indicating no relationship between age and anxiety and depression; therefore, age is not considered as a risk factor for these problems.…”

“…This percentage is higher than that found in previous studies . This high prevalence of anxiety and depression might be related to many factors such parental effect, cultural and associated norms, stigma associated with mental illness, educational system including changes in school systems and style of education, and economic factors that negatively influence the students' psychological status . These findings of the current study reflect the need of Jordanian students for psychiatric advanced practice nurses to provide professional mental help and counseling for students' personal problems and concerns.…”

“…In the current study, the prevalence of anxiety and depression was higher among high school classes than others. This result might be explained by psychological problems associated with high school years, whereas students face many changes such as transitions, maturation, and development, in addition to pressures from parents for academic achievement and school success . This result could also be linked with the education and examination systems of Jordan, as there is a Higher Education Examination called “Tawjihi” in the second secondary classes for students to get into university.…”

“…The combinations of economical, educational, technological development, and cultural factors could lead to many psychological problems such as anxiety and depression among Jordanian school students. Previous studies indicated a high connection between school setting and psychological problems such as anxiety and depression among adolescent students . Psychological problems can be triggered during the high school years because of excessive transitions, and social and academic pressures faced by students …”

“…Previous studies indicated a high connection between school setting and psychological problems such as anxiety and depression among adolescent students. 32,33 Psycholog-ical problems can be triggered during the high school years because of excessive transitions, and social and academic pressures faced by students. 2 Mental health in Jordan is understudied and thus underutilized.…”