Panoraia Andriopoulou, Evangelia Karagiannopoulou, Panayiotis Lianos, Peter Fonagy
{"title":"University Students' Post-Traumatic Symptoms in the Aftermath of COVID-19: The Mediating Role of Attachment and Epistemic Trust","authors":"Panoraia Andriopoulou, Evangelia Karagiannopoulou, Panayiotis Lianos, Peter Fonagy","doi":"10.1002/capr.70122","DOIUrl":"10.1002/capr.70122","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aim</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study investigated how attachment patterns and epistemic trust mediate the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among university students in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Method</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The sample consisted of 225 university students, a population shown to be particularly vulnerable to the long-term psychological impact of experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected via validated instruments measuring attachment anxiety and avoidance, epistemic trust, perceived psychosocial pandemic-related impact, and post-traumatic stress symptoms reported in relation to the COVID-19 illness.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Findings</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Structural equation modelling revealed that perceived COVID-19 impact was directly associated with PTSD symptoms and attachment anxiety. Attachment anxiety—unlike avoidance—did not directly predict PTSD, but significantly predicted epistemic mistrust and credulity, which, in turn, were associated with increased PTSD symptoms, indicating a significant indirect effect. Although avoidant attachment significantly predicted lower epistemic trust, it did not significantly influence PTSD, suggesting that deactivating strategies might offer temporary protection during crises.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>These findings underscore the importance of considering individual differences in attachment and social learning capacities when addressing trauma responses in young adults. The clinical relevance of targeting epistemic trust in interventions, particularly for anxiously attached individuals, and call for further longitudinal research to clarify causality and long-term outcomes are discussed.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":46997,"journal":{"name":"Counselling & Psychotherapy Research","volume":"26 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/capr.70122","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147668507","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Cultural and Methodological Adaptations in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy Across Diverse Cultural Contexts: A Narrative Review","authors":"Anwar Khan, Amalia bt Madihie","doi":"10.1002/capr.70120","DOIUrl":"10.1002/capr.70120","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background and Aim</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an established intervention for trauma and stress-related disorders. As its use expands across diverse sociocultural contexts, questions arise regarding how its structured protocol can be adapted without compromising therapeutic integrity. This narrative review synthesizes published evidence on cultural and methodological adaptations of EMDR therapy across Western and non-Western settings to inform the development of a systematic framework for cultural and methodological adaptation of EMDR therapy.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Using narrative review methodology, relevant studies were searched in selected online databases. Reported adaptations were analysed and synthesized thematically into two clusters: cultural modifications (e.g., language translation, integration of spiritual or communal meanings, adaptation of therapeutic setting and social roles) and methodological adjustments (e.g., phase restructuring, modified distress scaling and alternative forms of bilateral stimulation).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The findings indicate that adaptations frequently extend beyond surface-level translation and reflect deeper shifts in explanatory models of trauma, communication norms and relational structures of care. However, reporting remains fragmented, theoretical grounding is inconsistently articulated, and consensus is lacking regarding which procedural elements may be modified while preserving core EMDR processes. In response, a structured three-stage framework is proposed to guide culturally and methodologically informed adaptation while maintaining functional fidelity. Ongoing challenges include limited longitudinal outcome data and the need for systematic fidelity monitoring and culturally informed training models.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>EMDR therapy can be effectively adapted across diverse sociocultural contexts. The proposed framework of this review supports cultural and methodological adaptations while preserving core principles of EMDR. Further research is needed to validate adaptations and establish implementation consensus.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":46997,"journal":{"name":"Counselling & Psychotherapy Research","volume":"26 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/capr.70120","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147668425","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Adem Peker, Serkan Cengiz, Carlos Laranjeira, Murat Yıldırım
{"title":"Effectiveness of Group Narrative Therapy Based on a Postmodern Psychotherapeutic Approach for Reducing Test Anxiety in Secondary School Students","authors":"Adem Peker, Serkan Cengiz, Carlos Laranjeira, Murat Yıldırım","doi":"10.1002/capr.70123","DOIUrl":"10.1002/capr.70123","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a narrative therapy (NT)–based psychoeducation programme in reducing test anxiety among eighth-grade students in Türkiye.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Using a quasi-experimental design and purposive sampling, 22 students (63.6% female) were assigned to either an experimental or control group (11 each). Participants completed the Turkish version of The Test Anxiety Scale (EXS). The six-week NT-based programme was applied to the experimental group. Data were analysed using single-factor ANCOVA.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Findings</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The results showed that the test anxiety levels of the students in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group (<i>F</i> = 6.23; <i>p</i> < 0.05).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Research findings have shown that NT training programmes are effective in reducing test anxiety. These results suggest that incorporating NT principles and strategies can serve as an effective approach to addressing and alleviating test anxiety in students.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":46997,"journal":{"name":"Counselling & Psychotherapy Research","volume":"26 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/capr.70123","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147668327","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mehravar Javid, Fatemeh Talebi, James Sexton, Shima Tondar, Negar Tabibian
{"title":"Effect of Transactional Analysis Training on Self-Knowledge and Its Constituent Ego States in School Counsellors","authors":"Mehravar Javid, Fatemeh Talebi, James Sexton, Shima Tondar, Negar Tabibian","doi":"10.1002/capr.70109","DOIUrl":"10.1002/capr.70109","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Developing self-knowledge and ego state regulation is essential for counsellors' professional growth and therapeutic effectiveness. Transactional Analysis (TA) training offers a structured approach to fostering self-knowledge, yet empirical evidence among practicing school counsellors remains limited.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aims</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study examined the effectiveness of TA-based group training in enhancing overall self-knowledge and its dimensions—Adult, Parent and Child ego states—among school counsellors in Iran.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Method</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>From a pool of 68 volunteers, 30 eligible counsellors were randomly assigned to an experimental group (<i>n</i> = 15) or a control group (<i>n</i> = 15). A pre-test/post-test randomised controlled design was employed using a 29-item Self-Knowledge Questionnaire. The intervention consisted of 10 weekly 2-h TA sessions focusing on ego state awareness and self-reflection. The control group received no intervention during the study period but was offered the training afterward. Data were analysed using MANCOVA, controlling for pre-test scores.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The TA group showed statistically significant improvements in total self-knowledge and across all ego state dimensions (Adult, Parent, Child) compared with the control group (Hotelling's Trace = 1.04, <i>F</i> (3, 23) = 10.00, <i>p</i> = 0.001, η<sup>2</sup> = 0.51). Univariate follow-up analyses confirmed large effect sizes, particularly for the Child ego state (η<sup>2</sup> = 0.48) and total self-knowledge (η<sup>2</sup> = 0.47).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Findings suggest that TA training effectively enhances counsellors' self-knowledge and awareness of ego states, which may contribute to improved emotional regulation and counselling competence.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":46997,"journal":{"name":"Counselling & Psychotherapy Research","volume":"26 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147668198","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Provision of Counselling and Psychotherapy for Boarders and Ex-Boarders From Elite Boarding Schools: A Scoping Review","authors":"Virginia Sherborne","doi":"10.1002/capr.70116","DOIUrl":"10.1002/capr.70116","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The psychological impact of attending elite boarding schools is of increasing interest to counsellors and psychotherapists. However, little academic research has explored the provision of interventions for supporting current and ex-boarders.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This scoping review aimed to capture the existing evidence by identifying studies investigating the provision and effectiveness of therapeutic interventions for this population.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Included items had to be journal articles in English, from any date, peer-reviewed, presenting empirical studies conducted in the context of elite boarding schools. Types of studies included were qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods and structured case studies. Included studies had to focus on the provision/experience of delivering or receiving counselling or psychotherapy for current or ex-boarders. Searches of ProQuest, PsycINFO and EBSCO databases happened on 25 October 2024. Data charted from included studies were citation, aim, methodology, participant population and key findings. Narrative synthesis was used for data analysis.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Most excluded items did not focus on counselling and psychotherapy (CAP). Of those eligible for inclusion, five related to the provision and effectiveness of CAP and three to the experience of receiving or providing CAP. Included studies came from the USA (4), the UK (2), Malaysia (1) and Indonesia (1), with most presenting cognitive-behavioural or psychoanalytic approaches.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Future research is recommended into how and by whom counselling and psychotherapy are provided to children, young people and staff in elite boarding schools, as scant evidence is available. To inform best practice, research is also needed into the efficacy and accessibility of different interventions for adult ex-boarders.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":46997,"journal":{"name":"Counselling & Psychotherapy Research","volume":"26 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147668110","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}