Date of Award
4-1987
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Thelma Urbick
Second Advisor
Dr. Robert Brashear
Third Advisor
Dr. Joseph Morris
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Donald Cooney
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of the international students at Western Michigan University toward seeking personal counseling and to answer the following questions: (1) Is there a relationship between international students' duration of stay in the United States and their perceptions toward seeking personal counseling? (2) Is there a relationship between international students' previous contact with counselors and their perceptions toward seeking personal counseling? (3) Are the perceptions of international students toward seeking personal counseling affected by their sex? (4) Is there a relationship between the academic level of international students and their perceptions toward seeking personal counseling?
The research population consisted of all international students at Western Michigan University in Fall 1986. Of the questionnaires distributed, 46.5% were returned. The researcher used a demographic questionnaire and the instrument called the Attitudes Toward Seeking Psychological Help (ATSPH) scale to gather data.
Percentages were used to show the distribution of respondents by sex, country, duration of stay in the U.S., and source of help. A t-test with a 95% confidence level, (alpha) .05, was used to treat the hypotheses.
Results of the hypothesis testing indicated that the students from Asia encountered less perception than students from other continents toward seeking personal counseling. The majority of international students were more interested in seeking help through friends and family (informal help) rather than formal help. The length of stay in the U.S. was found to have no effect on the perceptions of international students toward seeking personal counseling, and the academic level was also found to have no effect on their perceptions. Neither the sex of the international students nor previous contact with counselors had an effect on their perceptions toward seeking personal counseling. Suggestions and recommendations are offered for the benefit of future international students.
Access Setting
Dissertation-Open Access
Recommended Citation
Al-Qasem, Nader F., "Perceptions of Western Michigan University International Students Regarding Seeking Personal Counseling" (1987). Dissertations. 2227.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/dissertations/2227