Needs and actual utilization of school counselors by elementary and junior high school parents

Abstract

pdfThis study aimed to clarify the needs and experiences of parents of children attending elementary or junior high schools when utilizing the services of school counselors. The study analyzed data from 186 valid responses to an online survey（80 from fathers and 106 from mothers）. The results showed that although the parents were aware of the school counselors, the latter’s specific working days and counseling methods were not well recognized. The parents expressed a high need for full-time school counselors in both elementary and junior high schools—but particularly in the latter—regardless of whether they had consulted with school counselors in the past. When asked if they themselves would like to consult with a school counselor when a problem arises, the parents confirmed their intention, especially with issues in the categories of “truancy” and “being a victim of bullying.” Notably, significant differences were found in such responses, with more mothers citing these categories than fathers. These findings can help with future efforts to improve the environment surrounding the utilization of school counselor services based on parents’ actual needs and realities.departmental bulletin pape