One aspect of the article which was of a personal interest to me is a unique sample that was utilized in the study. I was interested in wanting to know whether the study’s findings would show any significant difference between the attitudes of the counselors’ toward breaching confidentiality before and after the shooting incident. This was an interesting phenomenon of study, with the potential of revealing remarkable results that could ideally inform the area of study.
The study methodology included interviewing school counselors with the intention of establishing their attitude towards the idea of breaching confidentiality. Two groups of samples were utilized; that included a sample of individuals who were interviewed before the shooting incident and another one that comprised of the counselors whose responds were gathered after the incident. The study’s findings relied on the data obtained from a total of 927 fully completed questionnaires (Stone & Isaacs, 2003). Although the study obtained comparatively similar results from the two groups, the research findings assumed a pattern that showed a possibility of the change on the counselors’ attitude towards breaching confidentiality after the shooting incident. In essence, the article’s findings highlighted that the counselors were reluctant to give out confidential details of their clients after the shooting incident. This is because they mainly viewed the situation as sensitive and critical, thus considered the need of protecting their clients’ interests (Stone & Isaacs, 2003).
The article is very educative and employs a logical methodology in evaluating the subject of concern. However, I suggest that using a more diverse sample would have realized more comprehensive results. The study entirely relied on information obtained from school counselors who were members of ASCA. Diversifying the field of study is always recommendable for more reliable and assertive results (Welfel, 2012).
Interviewing the school counselors just after the tormenting incident of the shooting attracts some ethical concerns. In essence, some of the questions posed in the questionnaires might be disturbing as the incident was fresh, thus making counselors uncomfortable while responding to them. For instance, the counselors may regard completing the questionnaire as implicating their clients.
The journal relates with the chapter five of the textbook in the sense that they both explores the same subject. The Journal conducts a study to establish important aspects that have the potential of affecting the counselors’ attitude towards the idea of confidentiality of their clients. Similarly, the chapter five in the book discusses “confidentiality,” noting it as an important element to consider when thinking about ethics in counseling. The chapter highlights principles and approaches for fostering clients’ right to privacy (Welfel, 2012).
One of the weaknesses identifiable in this research is a strategy used in sampling the study’s participants. The study fails to employ a random sampling strategy that could be effective in reducing bias. Furthermore, the study fails to describe the strategy used in recruiting individuals who were issued with the questionnaire. One fails to understand the study’s exclusion and inclusion criteria. The data analysis strategy employed in the study is also not clear. Consequently, one can hardly understand and identify with the study. This is detrimental as the findings for the study can be criticized or objected. Besides, the research informed the area of study accordingly by highlighting important concepts regarding the idea of confidentiality of the minors. The article is recommendable to individuals who need to develop their knowledge about confidentiality; an important ethical aspect in counseling.
References
Stone, C., & Isaacs, M. (2003). Confidentiality with minors: The need for policy to promote and protect. The Journal of Educational Research. 96(3). 140:150
Welfel, E. (2012). Ethics in Counseling & Psychotherapy. S.l.: Cengage Learning.
