An Examination of the Phenomenon of Aging in Counselor Education: A Film-Based Learning Experience Using the Film Nyad

Year 2026, Volume: 16 Issue: 80, 99 - 114, 27.03.2026

Gülşah Yıldırım , Hanife Akgül

https://doi.org/10.17066/tpdrd.1667809

https://izlik.org/JA37ZE78YJ

Abstract

The objective of this study is to examine the changes in the personal perceptions of counselor candidates regarding older adults and their perceptions as counselor candidates through the NYAD movie. The present study utilizes the phenomenology method, a qualitative research design, as its methodological framework. The data source comprises reaction papers written by 32 students enrolled in the Guidance and Psychological Counseling undergraduate program at a state university in western Türkiye after watching the NYAD movie. Thematic analysis of the data yielded eight overarching themes, including “perception of ageing, awareness, empathy, knowledge-development, questioning, gain, communication-support, and advocacy”. The findings indicated that film-based learning led to notable achievements in the candidates, including the recognition of the strengths of older adults, heightened sensitivity to ageism, the development of empathy, and the consideration of older adults as active clients in the counseling process. Furthermore, it was determined that the participants recognized their lack of knowledge regarding the psychosocial needs of older adults and expressed a desire to improve themselves in this field. As a result of the research, it is recommended that the content on working with older adults should be made more visible in counseling education and counselor candidates should be trained with a holistic perspective that includes the age factor in the context of multicultural competencies.

Keywords

Counselor education , Film-based learning , Multiculturalism , Perception of ageing , Qualitative research

Ethical Statement

Ethical approval for the study was granted by Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University. The reference number is 01/31.

References

• Albarqi, M. N. (2024). Assessing the impact of multidisciplinary collaboration on quality of life in older patients receiving primary care: Cross sectional study. Healthcare, 12(13), 1258. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12131258
• American Counseling Association (ACA). (2023). Code of Ethics. Alexandria, VA: ACA. Retrieved from https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/ethics/2014-aca-code-of-ethics.pdf
• American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA code of ethics. Retrieved from https://www.counseling.org/resources/aca-code-of-ethics.pdf
• American Counseling Association. (2016). Multicultural and social justice counseling competencies. Retrieved from https://www.counseling.org
• American Psychological Association. (2014). Guidelines for psychological practice with older adults. American Psychologist, 69(1), 34–65. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0035063
• Arredondo, P., & Perez, P. (2003). Expanding Multicultural Competence through Social Justice Leadership. The Counseling Psychologist, 31(3), 282-289. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011000003031003003
• Aydoğan, H. (2021). Yaşlıların sosyal reklamlar aracılığıyla temsili – 6 ülke karşılaştırması. Türkiye Sosyal Araştırmalar Dergisi, 26(1), 21-44. https://doi.org/10.20296/tsadergisi.807396
• Başbay, A., & Kağnıcı, D. Y. (2011). Çokkültürlü yeterlik algıları ölçeği: Bir ölçek geliştirme çalışması. Eğitim ve Bilim, 36(161). https://egitimvebilim.ted.org.tr/index.php/EB/article/view/872
• Borders, L. D., Wester, K. L., Fickling, M. J., & Adamson, N. A. (2014). Research training in doctoral programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. Counselor Education and Supervision, 53(2), 145-160 https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1556-6978.2014.00054.x
• Burnes, D., Sheppard, C., Henderson, J. C. R., Wassel, M., Cope, R., Barber, C., & Pillemer, K. (2019). Interventions to reduce ageism against older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal of Public Health, 109(8),e1–e9. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2019.305123
• Chao, R. C. (2011). Managing stress and maintaining well-being: Social support, problem-focused coping, and avoidant coping. Journal of Counseling & Development, 89(3), 338–348. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1556-6678.2011.tb00098.x
• Constantine, M. G., Miville, M. L., & Kindaichi, M. M. (2008). Multicultural competence in counseling psychology practice and training. In S. D. Brown & R. W. Lent (Eds.), Handbook of counseling psychology (4th ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
• Cumming, E., & Henry, W. E. (1961). Growing old: The process of disengagement. New York, NY: Basic Books.
• Çakır, G., & Yaman, Ö. M. (2022). Yaşlılara evde bakım vermenin bakım veren aileler üzerindeki etkilerinin aile kuramları temelinde değerlendirilmesi. Toplum ve Sosyal Hizmet, 33(2), 577–604. https://doi.org/10.33417/tsh.960879
• Decety, J., & Jackson, P. L. (2004). The functional architecture of human empathy. Behavioral and cognitive neuroscience reviews, 3(2), 71–100. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534582304267187
• Demir Dikmen, R. (2022). Yaşlı bakımı öğrencilerinin yaşlılara yönelik tutumlarının değerlendirilmesi. Geriatrik Bilimler Dergisi, 5(3), 81-89. https://doi.org/10.47141/geriatrik.1200832
• Ercan, L. (2021). Psikolojik danışman adaylarının yaşlılık ve yaşlılara yönelik hizmetlere yönelik görüşleri. Journal Of Social, Humanities and Administrative Sciences, 7(35):30-40. http://dx.doi.org/10.31589/JOSHAS.500
• Esendemir, Ş. (2021). Perception of aging in Turkey: A study on elder privilege and discrimination. Maarif Mektepleri International Journal of Social and Humanistic Sciences, 4(2), 74-86. https://doi.org/10.47155/mamusbbd.1011701
• European Commission. (2022). Türkiye 2022 Report. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/neighbourhood-enlargement/turkey-report-2022_en
• Gorman, M. A. (1998). Using dialogue journals to promote student learning in a multicultural teacher education course. Remedial and Special Education, 19, 32-46. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ564014
• Gökmen, G. (2020). Okul psikolojik danışmanlığında hak savunuculuğu. Journal of Inclusive Education in Research and Practice, 1(1), 55-73. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/jierp/issue/56579/751670
• Greene, J. H., Barden, S. M., Richardson, E. D., & Hall, K. G. (2014). The influence of film and experiential pedagogy on multicultural counseling self-efficacy and multicultural counseling competence. Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 62-78. https://doi.org/10.14434/josotlv14i5.12656
• Havighurst, R. J. (1961). Successful aging. The Gerontologist, 1, 8–13. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/1.1.8
• Kağnıcı, D. Y. (2015). Psikolojik danışman eğitiminde cinsel yönelim olgusunun irdelenmesi: Benim çocuğum filmi. Turkish Psychological Counseling and Guidance Journal, 5(44), 83-95. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/631452
• Kanbir, F. (2020). Türkiye’de yaşlılara yönelik toplumsal algılar ve politikalardaki değişim. Konya: Çizgi Kitabevi Yayınları.
• Karcı, A., & Kumcağız, H. (2023). Psikolojik danışman adaylarının yaşlılara yönelik tutumları. Erciyes Akademi, 37(3), 1022-1038. https://doi.org/10.48070/erciyesakademi.1343327
• Katmer, A. N., Demir, R., Kul, A., & Özkamalı, E. (2021). Marriage Story (Evlilik Hikayesi) filminin yapısal ve psikoanalitik aile danışmanlığı kuramlarına dayalı incelenmesi. Yaşam Becerileri Psikoloji Dergisi, 5(9), 21-30. https://doi.org/10.31461/ybpd.895271
• Kılıç, C., Tonga, Z., & Kaya, F. (2022). Psikolojik danışmanların çokkültürlü psikolojik danışma yeterlikleri, sosyal adalet ve eşcinsellik tutumları. Atatürk Üniversitesi Kazım Karabekir Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 44, 66-76. https://doi.org/10.54614/AUJKKEF.2022.907485
• Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
• Lewis, J.A, Lewis, M.D, Daniels, J.A., & D’Andrea, M, J. (2011). Community Counseling: A Multicultural-Social Justice Perspective. USA: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning.
• Liles, R. E. (2007). The Use of Feature Films as Teaching Tools in Social Work Education. Journal of Teaching in Social Work, 27(3–4), 45–60. https://doi.org/10.1300/J067v27n03_04
• McCleary, R. (2013). Using Film and Intergenerational Colearning to Enhance Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Older Adults. Educational Gerontology, 40(6), 414–426. https://doi.org/10.1080/03601277.2013.844034
• Miles, M. B., & Huberman, A. M. (1994) Qualitative Data Analysis: An Expanded Sourcebook. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
• Moustakas, C. (1994). Phenomenological Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publications.
• Myers, J. E., Sweeney, T. J., & White, V. E. (2002). Advocacy for Counseling and Counselors: A Professional Imperative. Journal of Counseling & Development, 80(4), 394–402. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1556-6678.2002.tb00205.x
• Nelson, T. D. (2004). Ageism: Stereotyping and prejudice against older persons. MIT press.
• Ng, T. W. H., & Feldman, D. C. (2012). Evaluating six common stereotypes about older workers with meta‐analytical data. Personnel Psychology, 65(4), 821–858. https://doi.org/10.1111/peps.12003
• Nittoli, J. M., & Guiffrida, D. A. (2017). Using popular film to teach multicultural counseling: A constructivist approach. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, 13(3), 344–357. https://doi.org/10.1080/15401383.2017.1340216
• Öksüz, Y., & Yıldırım, O. (2023). Psikolojik danışma sürecindeki terapötik beceri ve koşulların metin analizi yöntemiyle incelenmesi: “In Treatment” dizisi. Selçuk Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi, 52, 19-32. https://doi.org/10.52642/susbed.1335920
• Park, N. S., Jang, Y., Lee, B. S., Ko, J. E., & Chiriboga, D. A. (2014). The impact of social resources on depressive symptoms in racially and ethnically diverse older adults: variations by groups with differing health risks. Research on aging, 36(3), 322–342. https://doi.org/10.1177/0164027513486991
• Ratts, M. J., Singh, A. A., Nassar-McMillan, S., Butler, S. K., & McCullough, J. R. (2016). Multicultural and social justice counseling competencies: Guidelines for the counseling profession. Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, 44(1), 28–48. https://doi.org/10.1002/jmcd.12035
• Rowe, J. W. & Kahn, R. L. (1997). Successful aging. The Gerontologist, 37, 433– 440. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/37.4.433.
• Sakızcıoğlu, S. & Voltan Acar, N. (2016). Uzak filminin varoluşçu terapinin temel kavramları açısından değerlendirilmesi. Journal of International Social Research, 9(43), 1288-1297 https://www.sosyalarastirmalar.com/articles/an-analysis-of-the-film-uzak-in-terms-of-fundamental-concepts-ofexistential-therapy.pdf
• Sue, D. W., Sue, D., Neville, H. A., & Smith, L. (2022). Counseling the culturally diverse: Theory and practice. John Wiley & Sons.
• Sue, D., Sue, D. W., & Sue, S. (2010). Understanding Abnormal Behavior (9th ed.). Wadsworth, Boston Mass.
• Taşdelen Karçkay, A., Toprak, B., & Alkan, D. (2024). Yaşantısal ve Çözüm Odaklı Aile Terapisi Bakış Açısıyla “Bizi Hatırla” Film Analizi. Batı Anadolu Eğitim Bilimleri Dergisi, 15(1), 223-243. https://doi.org/10.51460/baebd.1411786
• Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT). (2023). Elderly Statistics, 2023. Retrieved from https://www.tuik.gov.tr/
• Türk, A., & Işık, A. (2023). Yaşlı bireylerin depresyon düzeyine etki eden faktörlerin incelenmesi. Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli Üniversitesi SBE Dergisi, 13(4), 2424-2434. DOI: https://doi.org/10.30783/nevsosbilen.1307489
• Türkan, M., & Sezer, S. (2017). Yaşlı yoksulluğunun yarattığı sosyal ve psikolojik sorunlar: Muğla örneği. Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi, 4(4), 35-57. https://doi.org/10.30803/adusobed.356218
• Tyler, J. M., & Reynolds, T. (1998). Using feature films to teach group counseling. Journal for specialists in group work, 23(1), 7-21. https://doi.org/10.1080/01933929808411378
• VandenBos, G. R. (2007). APA dictionary of psychology (2nd ed.). American Psychological Association.
• Villalba, J. A., & Redmond, R. E. (2008). Crash: Using a popular film as an experiential learning activity in a multicultural counseling course. Counselor Education and Supervision, 47(4), 264–276. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1556-6978.2008.tb00056.x
• Wedding, D., & Niemiec, R. M. (2003). The clinical use of films in psychotherapy. Journal of clinical psychology, 59(2), 207-215. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.10142
• World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Global report on ageism. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240016866
• Yıldırım, A., & Şimşek, H. (2018). Sosyal Bilimlerde Nitel Araştırma Yöntemleri. Ankara: Seçkin Yayıncılık.
• Yıldırım, G., Yurdakul, B., & Kağnıcı, D. Y. (2024). Ageism from the perspective of older adults: A phenomenological study. Educational Gerontology, 51(2), 139–154. https://doi.org/10.1080/03601277.2024.2384623
• Yıldırım, S., & Kocayörük, E. (2023). Yaşlı bireylerle psikolojik danışmada çok kültürlülük ve sosyal adalet perspektifi. Psikolojik Danışma ve Rehberlik Çalışmaları Dergisi, 5(1), 49–65. https://doi.org/10.17244/eku.1311048