Peer counselling in Saudi Arabia

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Education
• Sociology

Background:

• Peer counselling, a Western model, was introduced to a Saudi Arabian boys' secondary school.
• The study aimed to assess the feasibility and impact of peer support in a conservative cultural context.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of peer counselling in supporting individual pupils.
• To assess the program's impact on the school's social environment and student loneliness.
• To understand the perceptions of students and staff regarding the peer counselling initiative.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was employed over one academic year.
• Data collection included school records, interviews, questionnaires, psychological tests, and focus groups.
• Both quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed to assess the program's impact.

Main Results:

• No significant reduction in student loneliness was observed.
• Significant improvements were noted in guidance and reliable alliance as social provisions.
• A reduction in the number of problems presented to the school counsellor was documented.

Conclusions:

• Peer counselling demonstrated positive effects on social provisions and problem reduction in the Saudi context.
• While teaching staff showed limited support, students highly valued the peer counselling service.
• Peer counsellors experienced enhanced self-esteem, indicating personal benefits from the program.