International Migrants in Counseling Literature : A 36-Year Content Analysis (1988-2023)

Abstract

With the increasing number of international migrants worldwide and the emphasis on multicultural counseling competence and social justice, counseling professionals must learn more about how to work with this population. To address this need, we conducted a 36-year (1988-2023) content analysis of counseling literature focused on international migrants (i.e., immigrants and refugees) in 21 American Counseling Association-Affiliated Journals. Our analysis of 80 related journal articles aimed to explore publication trends, researched topics, and research methods related to this population, offering implications for counselors, researchers, and the counseling profession. The study underscored the significance of culturally sensitive counseling for international migrants, highlighting the necessity for advocacy efforts in the counseling profession to support the mental health needs of international migrants. We recommended that counselors remain informed about research and utilize digital and interdisciplinary approaches to enhance their support of international migrants.