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Adolescent Health-Compromising Behaviors: Motivating School Counselors
Objective:
To determine middle and high school counselors' perceptions of adolescent
health-compromising behaviors and motivations to intervene. Methods:
Middle or high school counselors (n= 432) completed a survey based
on protection motivation theory. Results: Differences were
found in counselors' perceptions of the severity of the risk-taking
behaviors. Mean perception scores of substance abuse were highest,
and sensation-seeking scores were lowest. "Personal impact"
and "social noxiousness" were significant predictors of
future education intent. Conclusion: Counselors have different
perceptions of the importance/prevalence of adolescent risk-taking
behaviors. Perceptions were highly correlated with intentions to
seek out professional training. |