Resident Assistants' Self- Efficacy for Participation in Counseling Activitie

Based on the changes in mental health needs on college campuses, this study examines Resident Assistants' self-efficacy to participate in counseling activities with the residents whom they are assigned to assist. The literature review discusses recent efforts introduced by residence life departments to respond to the increase in mental health and behavioral issues that college students are now facing, the barriers that prevent Resident Assistants, who function as paraprofessionals within their on-campus communities, from taking action, and recommended training components and parameters. The increase of serious mental health issues calls for the reimagining of the training provided to Resident Assistants to more effectively prepare them for their roles as first responders, peer mentors and liaisons for counseling services in their work with campus residents. In order for training to successfully translate into action, Resident Assistants must perceive themselves to have self-efficacy to participate in the needed to work with their residents.;Keywords: resident assistants, residence life training, counseling skill.