Ovsyanikova E.A., Khudaeva M.Yu.A Study of Psychological Problems and Needs in School Psychologist’s Consultation in 7th, 9th, and 11th Grade Students

This study investigated psychological problems and needs for school psychologist’s consultation in 7th, 9th, and 11th grade students. Students (N = 594) filled out a short survey where they rated the degree of their psychological problems (e.g., test anxiety, mood, learning problems, problems with parents, etc.) and a desire to receive consultation with the school psychologist about existing or potential problems. Regardless of age, students gave the highest ratings to test anxiety, problems with mood, and career choice. Girls demonstrated higher test anxiety and more negative mood compared to boys. Seventh grade students reported higher test anxiety than their older peers. Students indicated lower levels of problems with parents, peers, and learning. Nevertheless, 9th grade students reported higher levels of learning problems than 11th graders. About 7% of students reported frequent suicidal ideation. However, the majority of students from the total sample (80%) did not consider consulting the school psychologist regarding suicidality. Even fewer students were willing to consult with the school psychologist about test anxiety, mood, and learning problems. These findings can be used to improve school psychology services, design interventions, and provide psychoeducation to students.