Abstract:
Providing support to students is an important mission of academic advisors because students may encounter various problems in different aspects of their lives, such as family issues, academic challenges, or problems with friends. Due to their limited experience, students may not be able to manage or solve these issues on their own effectively. Therefore, they may need to seek help or advice from professors or trusted personnel whom they believe can assist them in resolving these problems. However, effective and efficient counseling requires the application of psychological principles in providing guidance. This study aims to compare advisors' knowledge and counseling skills at the University of Phayao before and after training. The training activities were based on behaviorism theory, using an experimental research design. The sample consisted of 40 advisors and support staff from the University of Phayao, selected through purposive sampling. They participated in a training program based on behaviorism theory to enhance their counseling skills. Data collection tools included a personal information questionnaire, a basic counseling knowledge test, and a basic counseling skills assessment. Descriptive statistics and independent t-tests were analyzed with a statistical software package. The study found that most participants were female (28 individuals, 70%), aged between 31 and 40 years (21 individuals, 52.5%). Most participants were single (23 individuals, 57.5%) and held a master's degree (24 individuals, 60%). Most were affiliated with the health sciences faculty (20 individuals, 50%). The comparison of basic counseling knowledge and skills showed a statistically significant difference at the 0.05 level (P = .000). Similarly, the comparison of basic counseling skills also indicated a statistically significant difference at the 0.05 level (P = .000). In conclusion, the findings from this study can be used as a foundation for designing counseling technique programs to equip advisors and staff at the University of Phayao with the skills necessary to provide mental health counseling to students. This will help students lead normal and healthy lives, preventing further mental health issues