Testing a model of codependency for college students in Taiwan based on Bowen's concept of differentiation.

The purpose of this study was to test a model of codependency based on Bowen's concept of differentiation for college students in Taiwan. The relations between family-of-origin dysfunction, differentiation of self, codependency traits and related symptoms including low self-esteem, relationship distress and psychological adjustment problems were examined. Data were collected from 567 college students from 2 large, urban universities in northern Taiwan. Results indicated a significantly negative relationship between levels of codependency and self-differentiation and that self-differentiation partially mediated the relationship between family-of-origin dysfunction and codependency. The implications of these findings for counselling Taiwanese college students who experience codependency traits and related symptoms as well as suggestions for future research are discussed.

Using prayer and scripture in a Christian-based stress-coping support group for church attendances: implications for professionals.

This study explored the participants' perceptions of using prayer and scripture in a Christian-based stress-coping support group (CSCSG). Twenty-eight church attendances were recruited from a Presbyterian Church in Taiwan. Based on the finding from qualitative analyses using a modified grounded theory approach, four themes related to the participants' learning experiences emerged. The four themes identified were stressful life events, stress-coping experiences, integration of Christian faith with life, and spiritual connection. A follow-up survey indicated that the participants perceived the experiences gained from the CSCSG as appropriate, important, functional, and constructive in coping with stress. Research questions and implications for church professionals are discussed.

Effects of a competency-based counseling training program for correctional officers.

The purposes of this study were (a) to determine whether a competency-based counseling training program can be effective in developing the counseling skills of correctional officers with diverse backgrounds and (b) to examine if participants would demonstrate positive changes in counseling skills regardless of their differences among a variety of demographic variables. One hundred and six correctional officers were selected to participate in this study. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were applied for collecting and analyzing data. The results indicate that the participants' counseling skills were significantly improved. Because the participants demonstrated positive changes in their overall counseling skills, the present research further supports no significant difference among a variety of variables. The training program also brought out deeper reflection on the significant learning experiences, greater theoretical knowledge, as well as greater understanding of the counseling work for the participants.

Correctional officers' perceptions of the competency-based counseling training program in taiwan: a preliminary qualitative research.

The purposes of this exploratory study are to present a model of the competency-based counseling training program with correctional officers in Taiwan and highlight findings from a qualitative exploration. Grounded theory procedures are used to explore 23 correctional officers' perceptions of the training program. This training program results in positive feelings about the significant learning experience, greater theoretical knowledge, and a greater understanding of the counseling work. In addition, eight themes emerging from the data pertain to the significant experiences of the training process. These themes are outlined and discussed. Implications for correctional officers' counseling training program and research questions for future study are also suggested.