Professional Research

GSCA does not distribute research surveys on behalf of members or the public.  However, in the interest of furthering the research that makes school counselors able to better themselves and assisting those who are in pursuit of higher degrees, we post surveys which have been screened by the GSCA Journal Editor for validity. We ask that school counselors participate as they are able in order to continue and support research in the field.

If you have a survey/research you would like posted below, please email info@gaschoolcounselor.org.  Please include the exact text you would like published and the IRB approval.   Your request will be reviewed and approved by our review committee before it will be posted.

Posted 8/19/25

School counselors are vital in supporting students through the college search and application process. This phase is an important transition into adulthood and sets the stage for their postsecondary education journey. Your role in helping students explore their identities and make informed choices is invaluable.  

This study aims to gather insights into school counselors' self-efficacy in promoting college knowledge, focusing on personal and environmental factors that may influence this process. Your insights and opinions on how effectively you provide college-related services will be instrumental in identifying ways to enhance the support available to counselors and ultimately benefit the students you serve.

Participation in this study is voluntary, and your identity will remain confidential. If you decide not to participate, no further action is required. If you choose to take the survey, you may exit at any time.

For more information about the survey, please contact Kimberly Norfork by phone at 731-460-1214 or by email at vwg693@mocs.utc.edu.  

Survey link: School Counselor Self-Efficacy in Promoting College Knowledge Survey

Thank you for your valuable contribution!

Kimberly Norfork
Doctoral Candidate
EdD Learning and Leadership
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Posted 5/23/25

Posted 5/21/25

School Counselors’ Support of Students During Reintegration

I am conducting a research study on the role of school counselors in supporting student reentry following hospitalization for suicidal thoughts or behaviors. With this study, I am trying to understand the extent to which formalized policies and procedures exist to support students' reentry after hospitalization and the degree to which school counselors are involved in this process. Your insights are valuable as they will help to inform the development of best practices and policies that could improve mental health support for students nationwide.

Your participation is voluntary. Please consider the information carefully. Feel free to ask questions before making your decision on whether to participate by contacting Dr. Patrick Cunningham at cunninghampd@appstate.edu.

Survey Link: https://appstate.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6zBfuOBNqlPCXOe 

Principal Investigator: Patrick Cunningham, Ph.D., Appalachian State University

Department: Counseling, Family Therapy, and Higher Education

Contact Information: cunninghampd@appstate.edu, 828-262-8376

IRB: HS-25-167

Posted 3/24/25

Bringing Out the Brilliance in Black Girls is a strength-based study exploring factors that enhance self-esteem in Black girls despite the internalization of controlling messages received in the mass media. Over the years, this topic has become my passion as I watched the low self-esteem in the Black girls I work with as a Professional School Counselor inform identity, friendships, relationships, course choices, and career choices. Time Magazine's 2021 cover story, "The Mental Health Crisis in Black Girls," raised even more awareness and concern. One of the things that I have discovered in my research is that the negative and controlling messages that Black girls receive can be traced back to stereotypes of Black women (e.g., Jezebel, Sapphire, and Mammy) created during slavery. Negative controlling images of Black women portrayed in the media (television, movies, social and music) are contributing to poor mental health outcomes for Black girls. Did you know that in addition to an increase in major depressive episodes reported by Black girls, the CDC reports that 94,000 Black girls have attempted suicide since 2017? This study examines how gendered racial microaggressions, internalized stereotypes, and harmful societal messages impact the mental health, self-worth, and overall well-being of Black adolescent girls, contributing to a critical mental health crisis.

How can you help? Click here to read more and send the link to the parents of Black girls in your circle of influence. Please encourage them to participate. The findings will inform how we can integrate wellness activities for Black girls in our Comprehensive School Counseling Programs.

If you have questions about this research, please get in touch with me at Denise Hawkins at denise.hawkins@uga.edu. If you have any complaints or questions about your rights as a research volunteer, contact the IRB at 706-542-3199 or by email at IRB@uga.edu.

Sincerely,

Denise Hawkins, EdS, NCC
Doctoral Candidate
Department of Counseling and Human Development Services
The University of Georgia

Posted 3/24/25

• Time Commitment: Approximately 13 minutes
• Format: 110-question survey using a 5-point Likert scale
• Confidentiality: No identifying information will be collected, and all responses will remain anonymous.