Citation

Price J, Mrdjenovich AJ, Thompson A, Dake JA. J. Am. Coll. Health 2009; 58(2): 133-139.

Affiliation

The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, USA. jprice@utnet.utoledo.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07448480903221350

PMID

19892650

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed college counselors' anticipatory guidance on firearms for student clients. PARTICIPANTS: The membership of the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors was used to identify a national random sample of counseling centers (n = 361). One counselor from each center was selected to survey. METHODS: In the winter of 2008, a 3-wave mailing procedure was used to maximize the response rate. Completed surveys served as consent (as approved by the University Human Subjects Committee). RESULTS: A total of 213 counselors (59%) responded. They were unlikely to provide anticipatory guidance (6%), chart/keep records on client ownership/access to firearms (17%), or to counsel the majority of clients from various diagnostic categories on firearms. CONCLUSIONS: University personnel are likely to refer students with suspected mental health problems to university counseling centers. The findings indicate that few counseling centers will address firearm issues with students.

Language: en