Prediction of Psychological Well-being based on Empathy among Vietnamese School Counselors

Empathy enhances an individual’s self-image and also helps to maintain relationships which add up to the well-being of an individual. Empathy and psychological well-being have an influence on school counselors’ job performance in their schools. The aim was to examine the relationships between empathy and psychological well-being in 53 Vietnamese school counselors (19 males and 34 females) in Ho Chi Minh City in 2018. To achieve this goal, multiple linear regression analyses were done to see the independent effects of explanatory variables and t-test for independent samples were used for gender comparisons. Participants completed 2 measures, the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) and Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF). Results showed that personal distress negatively predicted psychological well-being. Neither perspective taking fantasy nor empathic concern predicted psychological well-being. This result supports those found in previous studies and suggests that personal distress, an effective component of empathy, plays an important role in the improvement of psychological well-being. We also found females reported lower psychological well-being than males. Our findings may explain the previous research finding that gender discrimination has an impact on the psychological well-being of females at work. The results of this research are necessary for Vietnamese school counselors to have a better understanding of their mental health.

School Counselors' Recognition of the Ultra-High Risk for Psychosis

The ability to identify students at ultra-high risk (UHR) for psychosis in school settings is crucial for enabling appropriate referral to a clinician and positive therapeutic results. The aim of this study was to examine school counselors' recognition of the diagnosis and appropriate treatment recommendations for students at UHR for psychosis. In total, 132 school counselors completed surveys, including questions relating to a vignette about a student at UHR for psychosis. In total, 12.4% of the sample provided the correct diagnosis, much lower than that for other schizophrenia spectrum disorders and non-psychotic disorders, including depressive disorder. Although most school counselors preferred psychiatrists as the first-line treatment for students at UHR for psychosis, counseling centers were also mentioned as potential treatment options. In terms of medication, antipsychotics were preferred over other medication classes. It is necessary to design appropriate educational and training programs for school counselors to promote identification and effective referral of those at UHR for psychosis.