College Students’ Likelihood of “no-showing” for an Initial Hypothetical Counseling Appointment

ABSTRACT

Using a vignette methodology, we examined college students’ likelihood of “no-showing” for a hypothetical initial appointment for counseling. Participants in a low level of distress condition were less likely to attend their appointment as compared to those in a high distress condition. Knowing they would see a male therapist and not knowing what counseling entails strongly influenced participants’ decision to not attend their appointment. We discuss the research and clinical implications of our findings.

KEYWORDS:

• Attendance
• college students
• counseling