Abstract
Many factors in Saudi society have led to a need for counselling services in educational institutions. However, concerns remain
that the role of school counsellors in that setting is unclear. An aim of this study was to determine the perceptions of principals
concerning the actual and ideal role of intermediate girls school counsellors in Saudi Arabia. It further aimed to identify
the problems that face counsellors in offering effective services. Information was collected from a questionnaire survey,
complemented by semi-structured interviews. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)
programme. Findings indicate numerous differences among principals regarding the role of the counsellor, which suggests a
potential for ambiguity and role conflict. Finally, recommendations are offered for improving the quality of counselling services
in Saudi schools, including a requirement for increased awareness among all those concerned.
that the role of school counsellors in that setting is unclear. An aim of this study was to determine the perceptions of principals
concerning the actual and ideal role of intermediate girls school counsellors in Saudi Arabia. It further aimed to identify
the problems that face counsellors in offering effective services. Information was collected from a questionnaire survey,
complemented by semi-structured interviews. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)
programme. Findings indicate numerous differences among principals regarding the role of the counsellor, which suggests a
potential for ambiguity and role conflict. Finally, recommendations are offered for improving the quality of counselling services
in Saudi schools, including a requirement for increased awareness among all those concerned.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category ORIGINAL ARTICLE
- Pages 1-14
- DOI 10.1007/s10447-011-9132-6
- Authors
- Nawal G. Alghamdi, Department of Educational Guidance and Counseling, Higher Educational Studies Program, Kind Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, P.O.Box 50077, Saudi Arabia
- Barbara Riddick, Department of Education, Durham University, Jeddah, P.O.Box 50077, Saudi Arabia
- Journal International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling
- Online ISSN 1573-3246
- Print ISSN 0165-0653