Changing expectations in the psychological counseling process: University students' service needs and views on artificial intelligence-supported counseling services

Öz

This study explored university students’ needs regarding psychological counseling and their perceptions of AI-supported counseling services. Using a phenomenological design within a qualitative methodology, data were collected through two focus group interviews with 16 students from different departments selected via purposive sampling. Findings revealed that students sought counseling mainly for depression, loneliness, anxiety about the future, and family-related issues, yet many avoided professional support due to social stigma and the belief that problems could not be solved. Participants who received counseling reported positive outcomes, including relief, motivation, and improved problem-solving skills. AI-supported counseling was viewed positively for its accessibility and ease of use; however, concerns regarding privacy, trust, and reduced human interaction were emphasized. The study concludes that while AI-supported counseling may initially attract students, face-to-face psychological support remains essential, underscoring the need to improve both the accessibility and the promotion of university counseling services.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Psychological counseling
• Psychological counseling process
• University students
• Artificial intelligence
• Counselling services

Psikolojik danışma sürecinde değişen beklentiler: Üniversite öğrencilerinin hizmet ihtiyaçları ve yapay zekâ destekli danışma hizmetlerine ilişkin görüşleri

Öz

Bu çalışma, üniversite öğrencilerinin psikolojik danışmanlık ihtiyaçlarını ve yapay zekâ destekli danışmanlık hizmetlerine ilişkin algılarını incelemiştir. Nitel fenomenolojik desen kullanılarak, amaçlı örnekleme yöntemiyle seçilen farklı bölümlerden 16 öğrenciyle yapılan iki odak grup görüşmesi yoluyla veri toplanmıştır. Bulgular, öğrencilerin esas olarak depresyon, yalnızlık, gelecek kaygısı ve aileyle ilgili sorunlar için danışmanlık aradığını, ancak birçoğunun sosyal damgalanma ve sorunların çözülemeyeceğine dair inanç nedeniyle profesyonel destekten kaçındığını ortaya koymuştur. Danışmanlık alan katılımcılar rahatlama, motivasyon ve problem çözme becerilerinde iyileşme gibi olumlu sonuçlar bildirmişlerdir. Yapay zekâ destekli danışmanlık, erişilebilirliği ve kullanım kolaylığı nedeniyle olumlu karşılanmıştır; ancak gizlilik, güven ve insan etkileşiminin azalmasıyla ilgili endişeler de vurgulanmıştır. Çalışma, yapay zekâ destekli danışmanlığın başlangıçta öğrencileri cezbedebileceğini, ancak yüz yüze psikolojik desteğin hâlâ çok önemli olduğunu ve üniversite danışmanlık hizmetlerinin hem erişilebilirliğinin hem de tanıtımının iyileştirilmesi gerektiğinin altını çizmektedir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Psikolojik danışma
• Psikolojik danışma süreci
• Üniversite öğrencileri
• Yapay zekâ
• Danışma hizmetleri

Kaynakça

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