A Closer Examination of Bipolar Disorder in School Age Children

Permission to include this article granted by the American School Counselor AssociationChildren who present with severe behavioral concerns may be diagnosed as having other commonly diagnosed childhood disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and/or conduct disorder, among others, when they may be suffering from early-onset bipolar disorder. Awareness of the symptoms of early-onset bipolar disorder may lead to appropriate referrals for assessment and treatment, as well as collaborative program planning for children with bipolar disorder. Implications and recommendations for school counselors are discussed.Ye

Occupational Aspirations of Students in Grades Seven to Twelve

Permission to include this article granted by NATCONDuring adolescence, individuals begin to plan for their future career by considering a number of occupational choices. Counsellors, parents, and educators may be better able to assist adolescents in their exploration of occupational options, help them seek career-related information, and obtain support for their career plans by developing a greater understanding of adolescents’ occupational aspirations. The purpose of this research was to examine the occupational aspirations and the rationales students provided. It is anticipated that the outcome of this research may be used to assist future career program planning for junior and senior high students. This paper presents a review of the literature related to adolescent occupational choice, followed by a description of the research conducted with 3,562 junior high students and 2,941 senior high students in Southern Alberta utilizing the Comprehensive Career Needs Survey (CCNS; Magnusson and Bernes, 2002), and a discussion of the results

Conducting Adolescent Violence Risk Assessments: A Framework for School Counselors

Permission to include this article granted by the American School Counselor Association.There have been numerous publications devoted to preventing violence and bullying in schools, resulting in school counselors being well equipped with school-wide violence prevention ideas and programs. Despite these violence prevention efforts, some students may pose a threat to others and thus may require a comprehensive assessment for violence risk, especially targeted violence. The purpose of this article is to provide school counselors with a framework for assessing students who may be at risk for violence in general or who may be at risk specifically for targeted violence

"Being the Best," One Man's Experience with Steroids: An Interview with Josh

Permission to include this article granted by Journal of ExcellenceThis article describes one man’s experience with weight lifting and steroid use. Men may engage in heavy weight lifting and steroid use in order to change their bodies, possibly developing behaviours associated with eating disorders and muscle dysmorphia. Previous research has examined the risks associated with steroid use and exercise abuse, however, very little research has used qualitative methodologies to investigate men’s actual lived experience with this phenomenon. The purpose of this article is to present the transcript of an interview with a man who is currently weight lifting and using steroids to gain an insiders perspective into his lived experience, and demonstrate how a qualitative methodology may add depth and richness to our understanding of this phenomenon

In Pursuit of Physical Perfection: Weight Lifting and Steroid Use in Men

This study used a qualitative method to examine eight men’s motivations for weight lifting and steroid use. Results indicated that these men desired self-improvement, but their goal of obtaining the ideal masculine body became all-consuming and impeded their social and occupational functioning. Complex cognitive, interpersonal, mental health and personality issues became evident. In-depth assessment, accurate case conceptualization, and creative and individualized counseling or treatment are recommended for helping these individuals reach their goal of self-improvement in a healthier manner.Ye

In pursuit of the ideal masculine body : a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach

ix, 126 leaves ; 29 cm.A phenomenological-hermeneutic approach was used to research men's experience with attempting to achieve an 'ideal' masculine body. The current North American 'ideal' male body, media and cultural influences, a continuum of exercise and dieting behaviours, steriod use, addictions, eating disorders were presented as factors that may provide insight into this phenomenon. Eight male research participants were interviewed in regards to their experiences with attempting to achieve an 'ideal' masculine body. A dramaturgical life story approach to interviewing was ued. A follow-up interview was conducted to allow each research participant to comment on the emerging themes shared by the researcher. The nine themes that emerged from the participants' stories are: (1) I am not good enough, (2) judging genetics, (3) spiraling into obsession, (4) extreme commitment, (5)join the club, (6) no one understands me, (7)control, (8) it's all an optical illusion, and (9) overcoming the obsession. The results of this thesis combined with the literature suggest the following three conclusions. First, men who attempt to achieve an ideal masculine body may be vulnerable to external messages about their bodies. Second, pre-existing personality traits and/or mental health issues may contribute to this vulnerability. Third, some men may attempt to deal with complex mental health issues by taking their 'frustrations' and 'aggression' out in the gym, rather than by seeking counselling. The implications for helping professionals are discussed. The limitations of this approach are acknowledged and directions for future research are suggested

Life After Sport: Athletic Career Transition and Transferable Skills

Permission to include this article granted by Journal of ExcellenceAthletes transitioning out of sport are faced with many obstacles. Well-trained counselors have the appropriate skills to assist athletes through athletic career transition. An examination of the literature focused on career retirement and transferable skills lead to the development of intervention recommendations for athletes transitioning out of sport. Treatment recommendations include psycho-educational and cognitive behavioural interventions that focus on the emotions associated with transitioning from sport as well as an emphasis on transferable skills.Ye

Eating Disorder Intervention, Prevention, and Treatment: Recommendations for School Counselors

Permission to include this article granted by the American School Counselor AssociationSchool counselors are in daily contact with the highest risk group for developing eating disorders-children and adolescents. School counselors are in a position to identify at-risk individuals, implement effective school-based prevention programs, make appropriate referrals, and provide support for recovering individuals. An overview of a theory of recovery for eating disorders reinforces the importance of early intervention.Ye

Support for people who use Anabolic Androgenic Steroids: A Systematic Scoping Review into what they want and what they access.

BACKGROUND: Since there is a paucity of research on support for people using Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS), we aimed to identify and synthesise the available evidence in this field. Gaining an understanding of the support both accessed and wanted by recreational AAS users will be of use to professionals who provide services to intravenous substance users and also to those working in the fields of public health and social care, with the aim to increase engagement of those using AAS. METHODS: A systematic scoping review of the literature to explore and identify the nature and scope of information and support both accessed and wanted by non-prescribed AAS users. Any support services or information designed to help people who use AAS were considered. RESULTS: We identified 23 papers and one report for review, which indicated that AAS users access a range of sources of information on: how to inject, substance effectiveness, dosages and side effects, suggesting this is the type of information users want. AAS users sought support from a range of sources including medical professionals, needle and syringe programmes, friends, dealers, and via the internet, suggesting that, different sources were used dependent on the information or support sought. DISCUSSION: AAS users tended to prefer peer advice and support over that of professionals, and access information online via specialist forums, reflecting the stigma that is experienced by AAS users. These tendencies can act as barriers to accessing services provided by professionals. CONCLUSIONS: Support needs to be specific and targeted towards AAS users. Sensitivity to their perceptions of their drug-use and the associated stigma of being classified in the same sub-set as other illicit drug users is relevant to facilitating successful engagement