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Research Study: Ambiguous Loss

05 Sep 2025 12:53 PM | Jean Atwater-Williams (Administrator)

Seeking School Counselors to participate in a research study to understand the experiences of school counselors' knowledge and interventions related to the ambiguous loss* experiences of students who have immigrated to the United States. This research is rooted in ambiguous loss theory, and seeks to understand the immigration journey and school experiences in order to inform the field of school counseling and counselor education. Ambiguous Loss is a type of non-death loss and is defined as “a person who is physically present but psychologically absent or when there is a physical absence but a psychological (emotional) presence.”

Conducted by Drs. Katherine M. Wood (TN Tech University), Leonissa Johnson (Clark-Atlanta University ), and Malti Tuttle (Auburn University)

You are eligible to participate in the research study if you:

  1. Live in the United States,
  2. Are 19 years of age or older
  3. Are certified as a school counselor
  4. Work in a K-12 setting
  5. Work with students who have immigrated to the United States and
  6. Are willing to commit to complete a demographic screening survey, one recorded semi-structured interview, and review interview transcripts and themes.
Participants will receive a $15 Amazon gift card for their contributions to this study.  If you work with students who have immigrated to the US and are interested in participating, please read the full informed consent with a brief demographic questionnaire here: https://tntech.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_85OWFXGdRFpH8r4

View the flyer: Recruitment Flyer-SC-MLL students.pdf

If you have questions, please contact:

Katherine M. Wood, Ph.D. at kmwood@tntech.edu
Certified Professional School Counselor (CPSC) (GA), LCSW (GA)
Assistant Professor of Counselor Education, School Counseling Specialty
School Counseling Practicum and Internship Coordinator

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Tennessee Tech University 

*Ambiguous Loss is a type of non-death loss and is defined as “a person who is physically present but psychologically absent or when there is a physical absence but a psychological (emotional) presence.”


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MASCA deeply values its diverse membership and is fully committed to creating an organization where each individual is welcomed, included, respected and empowered.  No person will be excluded from MASCA on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, political affiliation or military status, or for any other discriminatory reason. These activities include, but are not limited to, appointment of its Governing Board, hiring or firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and the providing of services.  This policy is fundamental to the effective functioning of MASCA as an organization that supports counselors and promotes equity in our schools, districts and the Commonwealth.

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