Promoting the Individual Strengths of Children of Substance-Abusing Parents: Experiences of Student Assistance Counselors

This study explored the strategies used by student assistance counselors to build upon the strengths of children of substance-abusing parents. Before this study, strengths-based strategies used by student assistance counselors had yet to be explored. This qualitative phenomenological study examined participants' strategies, how they chose strategies, successes, and challenges they observed and experienced, and their views on how community members and professionals could help build upon student resilience in the future. Participants used a combination of strengths-based strategies to build upon students' strengths. Factors that impacted participants' choices were age, maturity, willingness, and availability to participate. Participants saw improvements in students' academic performance, school attendance, personal connections, and sense of self. Participants faced challenges related to the lack of community counseling availability and pressure from parents and school staff. Results from this study might help student assistance counselors and student assistance programs throughout the United States learn about strengths-based strategies used to build upon the strengths of children of substance-abusing parents. From this study, school faculty and staff, parents, community members, and professionals could increase their knowledge of substance use, mental health, and wellness and prioritize community-based initiatives to prevent youth from engaging in substance use and promote student wellness. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]