Designing a Process Model for the Development of Effective School Counseling: A Theory-Building Meta-Synthesis Approach

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 استاد، دانشگاه شیراز، شیراز، ایران

2 PhD Student in Shiraz University

3 دانشیار گروه مدیریت و برنامه ریزی درسی، دانشگاه شیراز، شیراز، ایران

4 دانشیار گروه مدیریت وبرنامه ریزی اموزشی، دانشگاه شیراز

5 دانشیار گروه مدیریت وبرنامه ریزی اموزشی، دانشگاه شیراز، شیراز، ایران

Abstract

The diverse roles of school counselors, including providing academic guidance, resolving psychological conflicts, and establishing effective communication with students, parents, and teachers, require a wide range of competencies that must be continuously strengthened. The overall aim of this study was to present a model that explains the antecedents, processes, and outcomes of developing effective school counseling. The research employed a theory-building meta-synthesis approach. Accordingly, key terms such as “counseling,” “counseling knowledge,” “counseling skills,” “counselor competencies,” “middle school,” and “high school” were identified in both Persian and international databases. After evaluation and screening, a total of 51 articles and theses were selected for analysis.
Data analysis was conducted based on grounded theory, including open, axial, and selective coding. Findings related to antecedents identified two main axial categories: school characteristics and counselor competencies. The processes of developing effective school counseling consisted of four axial categories: counseling services, application of intervention strategies, provision of supplementary services, and implementation of training. The outcomes of effective school counseling development were classified into four main groups related to students, parents, teachers, and the school/community.
The findings regarding the relationships among antecedents, processes, and outcomes indicated that effective school counseling operates within a dynamic and feedback-based cycle. Appropriate antecedents facilitate the development of knowledge, attitudes, and skills, which in turn lead to positive individual, interpersonal, and organizational outcomes. Developing the competencies of secondary school counselors requires a systematic and multidimensional approach that, in addition to training, emphasizes strengthening school support structures, enhancing professional communication, providing opportunities for practical experience, and fostering professional and contextual attitudes.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Curriculum Research
Volume 15, Issue 2
March 2026
Pages 312-285

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  • Receive Date: 23 January 2026
  • Accept Date: 08 February 2026

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