College Counselors' Perceptions of Working With First-Year Students With Chronic Illnesses

Abstract

Despite increased interest in college students' success, there has been little research regarding students entering college with chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, and cancer. This qualitative study examined 15 college counselors' perceptions of working with first-year students with chronic illnesses. Four themes emerged from the findings: counseling preparation, interactions, counseling interventions, and needs of students. The authors discuss implications for college counseling training and practice and directions for future research.