Meaning-Making in Early Adolescence: Practices and Perspectives of School Counselors

The Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Schwarz, Jill E¹ 

[1] The College of New JerseyThe College of New JerseyThe College of New Jersey

关键词: school counseling;    middle school;    meaning;    adolescence;   

DOI  :  10.7729/82.1174

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: North Atlantic Regional Association for Counselor Education and Supervision

【 摘 要 】

Adolescence is a crucial life stage involving aspects of identity development and decision-making that have potential life-long consequences. A sense of meaning is related to many beneficial factors during adolescence, including psychological health, academic engagement, and overall well-being. This qualitative interview study was designed to investigate middle school counselors’ perspectives and practices regarding exploring meaning with their early adolescent students. Analysis of ten individual interviews and a focus group revealed that the school counselor participants did engage in work with middle school students around meaning-making. They primarily helped students to find meaning through identity exploration, specifically focusing on navigating challenging life circumstances, reflecting on behavior, and making meaningful connections. Practical implications for both school counselors and counselor educators are detailed.

【 授权许可】

Unknown