Counseling Experts Present Latest Research at the 2025 ACA Conference & Expo, March 27-29 in Orlando, Fla.

SELECT RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS:

Navigating Cyber Risks: Prevalence and Prevention of Impulsivity, Disinhibition and Cyberbullying among College Freshmen, March 28, 11–11:30 a.m. ET
With increased internet accessibility on college campuses, dysfunctional online behaviors among college freshmen have become a growing concern. The presentation will offer prevention strategies aimed at fostering safer online environments for college students, equipping attendees with tools to address these pressing issues in their institutions.

Poster presented by Nicholas Monahan, master’s student, Marymount University and Bilal Kalkan, PhD, LPC, NCC, assistant professor, Marymount University.

Nicotine Dependence and Cognitive Function among Young Adults: An Exploration of Lifestyle, Social and Psychological Mechanisms,
March 28, 11–11:30 a.m. ETThe findings of this study provide new insights into how smoking behavior impacts cognitive function and highlights the role of lifestyle, social and psychological factors in mediating the relationship between smoking behavior and memory performance among young adults.

Poster presented by Sang Qin, PhD, assistant professor, University of Wisconsin–Madison and Yongsu Song, doctoral student, University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Increasing School-Based Mental Health Support Through Community Partnerships, March 28, 12–12:30 p.m. ET
School counselors are on the front lines of providing mental health services to support the emotional and social development of youth; however, there is a national shortage of these providers. This presentation will introduce attendees to a community partnership program designed to increase the number of mental health service providers in high-need schools.

Poster presented by Alexandra Robertson, doctoral student, University of Central Florida and Melissa Zeligman, PhD, associate professor, University of Central Florida.

The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media: Impacts on Social Disconnection, Isolation and Mental Health among Gen Z, March 28, 12–12:30 p.m. ET
This presentation will examine the impact of social media on social disconnection, feelings of isolation, and mental health challenges among Gen Z, exploring both the potential harms and benefits of these platforms in shaping their social and psychological well-being.

Poster presented by Anah Sinkfield, master’s student, Marymount University and Bilal Kalkan, PhD, LPC, NCC, assistant professor, Marymount University.

The Journey from Grandparent to Parent: Perceptions of Adoptive Grandparents Post Adoption, March 28, 12–12:30 p.m. ET
Nearly 1 million children in the U.S. are being raised by grandparents. While much of the existing research explores grandfamilies broadly, this study focuses specifically on grandparents who have formally adopted their grandchildren, transitioning from grandparent to parent roles.

Poster presented by Jill Bryant, PhD, LMHC, contributing faculty member, Walden University and self-employed in private practice.

Mental Health Implications of Forced Family Separation at the Border, March 28, 1–1:30 p.m. ET
In 2018, the U.S. implemented the Zero Tolerance Policy, which led to the prosecution of undocumented immigrants, including asylum seekers, and the separation of over 5,000 children from their caregivers. Although the policy was terminated in January 2021, approximately 1,000 children remain separated from their families. This presentation will explore recent research findings highlighting the mental health issues on this population, including PTSD, depression, anxiety and behavioral problems.

Poster presented by Amy Work, LCMHC-QS, RPT, founder and owner of Renewed Counseling & Play Therapy in Charlotte, N.C. and doctoral student, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Post-Infidelity Stress Disorder: Understanding the Lived Experiences of Women in Midlife, March 28, 3–3:30 p.m. ET
Traditional life events such as aging parents, becoming empty-nesters and career changes are increasingly compounded by divorce, contributing to a rise in mental health challenges among middle-aged women. Recent trends indicate higher rates of depression, anxiety and serious psychological distress, including suicidal ideation. Notably, infidelity is cited as the reason for divorce in 60% of separated and divorced couples. The emotional toll of infidelity has been termed “post-infidelity stress disorder.” This condition can disrupt endocrine, cardiovascular and immune system functioning, resulting in poor health outcomes. Despite these effects, clinical interventions have predominantly focused on couples and betrayed individuals within a couples-focused framework. To effectively address the needs of middle-aged women experiencing post-infidelity stress disorder, a trauma-informed approach is essential.  

Poster presented by Lois Curry-Catanese, LPC, AAT-C, doctoral student, Walden University and self employed in Fisherville, Va.

Effects of Military Sexual Trauma on Substance Use Patterns and Problematic Hypersexuality in Male Military Populations, March 29, 11–11:30 a.m. ET
Military sexual trauma (MST) includes experiences of sexual assault and/or harassment occurring during active military service. Among male service members, MST accounts for an estimated 60% of annual sexual assaults within active military populations. This poster will share findings from a study on MST in male military populations, specifically examining MST’s influence on substance misuse and problematic hypersexuality.

Poster presented by Tyler Oberheim, PhD, LPC-MHSP (TN), LMHC (FL), assistant professor, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and owner of a private practice in Chattanooga and Necole Gonsahn, master’s student, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and former member, U.S. Army Reserve.

The Aftermath of Parental Alienation: Coping Styles of Adult Children Who Experienced Parental Alienation During Childhood, March 29, 12–12:30 p.m. ET
Parental alienation occurs when one parent manipulates a child by expressing undue negativity about the other parent, creating a harmful dynamic. Exposure to parental alienation during childhood can significantly impact a child’s ability to develop healthy coping behaviors. Despite its long-term effects, little research has been conducted on the coping styles of these children as they transition into adulthood. This presentation will explore the coping styles commonly observed in adult children who experienced parental alienation during childhood.

Poster presented by Ching-Chen Chen, PhD, NCC, associate professor, University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Rachel Dugan, Zihan Gong, and Mikayla Harris, master’s students, University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Psychosocial Factors Predicting Adolescents’ Marijuana Use, March 29, 3–3:30 p.m. ET
Adolescents’ marijuana use has been linked to lower academic performance, higher rates of delinquent behavior and poorer mental health. This study explored how different levels of variables influence adolescents’ marijuana use.

Poster presented by Dasom Han, Zhi Jie Lee, Gahyun Park, and Tomas Guzman, PhD students, The Ohio State University.

View the full list of posters, education sessions, and roundtable discussions.