The key stakeholders' opinions regarding university counseling centers: An experience from Iran.
Year: 2011
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Student counseling centers are responsible for physical, mental and social health of university students. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the key stakeholders' opinions on different aspects of the activities performed in these centers. METHODS: This qualitative study used focus group discussion. Key stakeholders including university students and key informants from nine randomly selected medical universities participated in the study. After data saturation, thematic analysis was conducted. Themes were drawn out through constant comparative method. RESULTS: Based on 243 extracted codes and through comparative analysis, four categories were determined, namely students' need for students counseling centers, successes and limitations of student counseling centers, student counseling services priorities, and suggestions for service promotion. CONCLUSIONS: According to stakeholders' opinions, youth participation in needs assessment and priority setting processes in real-based situations leads to better performance of counseling services. Empowering the counselors is another point required for better outcomes. In addition, strategic planning and monitoring, along with evaluation of programs, could promote the provided services.
Source: PubMed
Institutions: Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2158714752