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.
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Acknowledgements
I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to the individuals who encouraged me and assisted me through my graduate experiences and this research paper. Special thanks are expressed to Dr. Kathryn Hunt, for her initial encouragement. Special words of thanks go to the Ministry of Higher Education, Saudi Arabia, for their sponsorship.
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Alghamdi, N.G., Riddick, B. Principals’ Perceptions of the School Counsellor Role in Saudi Arabia. Int J Adv Counselling 33, 347–360 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10447-011-9132-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10447-011-9132-6