GoodTherapy | What Are Your Ripple Effects?

by Katherine French-Ewing, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado

What Are YOUR Ripple Effects?

The other day, I was in the grocery store people-watching (a favorite pastime). I noticed a disturbing trend – heads down, eyes averted, super-weary body language, people silently walking around as if under a spell. My heart wept to see the disconnection. The ripple effects of this pandemic are real.

With your mask on, are you still connecting with others, making eye contact and smiling with your eyes? Or are you, like most of us, going into an auto-pilot, “find what I need and get out” mentality? To offer levity and joy, I try to go out of my way to verbally connect with people while shopping or running errands. It’s funny how diverse the responses are – surprise, delight, relief… always positive, though. I want the ripple effects of how I show up to be life-giving. 

Pandemic Ripple Effects

Have you found yourself sleepwalking through life lately? Phrases I hear frequently from new clients are “I am just trying to survive” and “I feel numb, like I don’t have time to feel anything” or “I feel ______(fill in the blank) all the time and it gets worse if I am in public.” A core part of our humanity is to yearn to be seen, heard, and to know that our existence matters. The challenge is affirming these pieces in others even when you feel less-than-affirmed yourself.  

Am I Seen?

This is our cry for uniqueness. Ever noticed how some people are making or buying blinged-out masks so they can wear something that stands out? Perhaps it is because they want to be recognized as someone who brings something unique to the table. With everyone in masks, we are slowly being desensitized to the non-verbal signals around us, sometimes resulting in a deep sense of disconnect and division. Intentional connection with those around you can overcome this phenomenon; compliment them or offer a smile so they know you see them.

Am I Heard?

With so many voices being silenced in social media today and so much content being censored, those who had been struggling pre-pandemic to believe the truth — that their voice matters — easily fall into despondent, defeatist mindsets. Find your tribe and offer your voice there in that safe space. If you feel fired up about something, consider what steps you can take to share your opinion where it will be taken seriously and respected. Your story and your perspective matter.

Do I Matter?

Your life is significant in ways you are not even aware of. Do what lights you up, and do it with all your heart. We are drawn to those who are walking in step with their values and passions. Perhaps what you are bringing into the light inspires someone else to step out courageously. When you are stuck fixating on your life circumstances, widen your scope and seek out those in need. Meet that need the best way you can and watch what happens within your heart and community. Serving others brings purpose to your life in a deeply meaningful way. The gifts, passions, and skills you can offer are unique and greatly needed.

Choose Your Ripple Effects

Think of the image of a beautifully still lake. If we throw a heavy object into that water, what happens? Think of those ripples as your decisions and thoughts every day. Are they having a positive, neutral, or negative effect on others? Today, I challenge you to gently consider what your ripple effects are in this season. Maybe even journal about it or chat with a trusted friend or family member for feedback. If your effects aren’t aligned with your values and the core of who you are, then maybe it is worth re-evaluating how you are showing up in this world. If you had a positive ripple effect on others consistently, how would your life feel and look? Connecting with a professional who is for your growth, who offers a compassionate, objective perspective, can be a game-changing experience. Your life matters. Your impact on others matters.

Working with a therapist to deal with the ripple effects of the pandemic on your life could be the best way for you to grow. Many therapists, like Katherine, offer free initial consultations so you can ensure a good fit. Search therapists in your area and find the right-fit therapist for you!

GoodTherapy | College Students, Belonging, and the Benefits of Fraternity and Sorority Membership

by Kendall Coffman, MS, Marriage and Family Therapist*

Fraternity and Sorority Membership for College Students: Emotional Benefits and Relevance for Clinical Practice

First-Year Experience for Traditional College Students

When college students first arrive on campus, they are wide-eyed and excited to take the first steps in their new journey. While many have an idea of what to expect (or at least believe they do), many more do not; either way, this is a new experience for all. The first-year experience is instrumental for college student success. According to Upcraft, Gardner, and Barefoot (2004), “[T]he first year of college, particularly in the first semester, is critical for establishing academic and social behaviors that safeguard retention” (p. 87). Universities and colleges acknowledged the importance of this transition by designing opportunities to support student success through various engagement opportunities and initiatives. Commonly seen first-year programming includes pre/orientation, academic advising, seminars, learning communities, and a wide variety of welcoming programs such as student organization fairs, concerts, wellness events, retreats, and speakers. 

Although there are many common initiatives and programs designed for first-year students across institutional settings, there is no set way of doing any one of them. No single effort is universally implemented to support first-year student success across the nation. Additionally, the following years are often overlooked, which is why institutions often see the “sophomore slump,” a phenomenon that has been described similar to “senioritis” due to the lack of attention and programming geared towards second-year students (Sterling, 2018). However, one powerful first-year experience that continues to impact student success beyond their first year and is often overlooked in metrics relating to persistence is membership in a fraternity or sorority. 

Known Effects of Fraternity and Sorority Membership on Mental Health and Community

A student’s need to belong and adjust to the college community can reinforce their relationship with the university—or, if unmet, damage it. Studies indicate that student involvement in campus clubs and organizations positively impacts retention and academic success. (Astin, 1993). Student success is directly impacted by the “sense of belonging, defined as membership, feelings of acceptance, being cared about or part of a group” (Osterman, 2000). Present literature supports participation and membership in fraternal organizations to increase social integration, academic achievement, student development, and retention. Moreover, fraternities and sororities can be viewed as a “high-impact practice” (Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors, 2016). 

Research shows a positive correlation between fraternal organizations and student retention and persistence for those who join fraternal organizations in their first year (Debard & Sacks, 2010). One study published by the National Panhellenic Conference (Biddix, 2014) reported that when comparing nonmembers to sorority members, sorority members had higher retention and graduation rates (both on time and within six years). Similar reports have shown that both fraternity and sorority members nationwide demonstrate higher levels of social involvement and academic achievement (Pike, 2003). There is also evidence showcasing that students in fraternal organizations have a positive influence on their nonmember peers and the ability to foster student development. The majority of fraternal organizations have academic policies and programming that help first-year college students with goal setting, time management, and developing study habits. They also tend to create an environment and culture that motivates students to achieve their goals (Sasso, 2012). Belonging to a Greek organization has definite benefits extending beyond the social realm. 

Clinical Relevance for Practice

Clinicians working with emerging adults and current college students can use the therapeutic space to explore the key community-building experiences their clients are taking part in. Early adulthood has been shown to be key in fostering continued growth and personal development. For many, that time period takes place during their time at college. 

If you are a clinician working with a college student considering joining an organization or struggling to make connections in college, here are a few considerations for practice:

If Your Student Is Considering Going Greek

If you are a parent/guardian or family member with a student who is considering joining a student group on a college campus, here are a few considerations:

Impacts on Belonging in the Age of Covid-19

The past year has presented unique challenges for college students. It is much more difficult to find community, to feel that sense of belonging due to the largely virtual structure that most universities have adopted. Students have fewer opportunities to engage with their peers in the ways they normally would have in the past, arguably leaving many of them feeling disconnected from their peers and universities. However, fraternities and sororities continue to foster a virtual space through innovative recruitment tactics and educational programming. 

Educational and Psychosocial Conversations to Consider Due to Covid-19:

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 *with Taylor Zeigler, MA

References

Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors. (2016). High Impact Practices. Perspectives: Journal for the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors, Summer 2016.

Astin, A. (1993). What matters in college: Four critical years revisited. San Francisco, CA: Jossey- Bass.

Biddix, J., Singer, K., & Aslinger, E. (2016). First-Year Retention and National Panhellenic Conference Sorority Membership: A Multi-Institutional Study. Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice, 20(2), 236-252.

Debard, R. & Sacks, C. (2010). Fraternity/Sorority membership: Good news about first-year impact. Oracle: The Research Journal of the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors, 5(1), 12-23. 

Kanter, M., Ochoa, E., Nassif, R., & Chong, F. (2011). Meeting President Obama’s 2020 college completion goal. Retrieved from http://www.ed.gov/news/speeches/meeting-president-obamas-2020-college-completion-goal.

Osterman, Karen. (2000). Students’ Need for Belonging in the School Community. Review of Educational Research – REV EDUC RES. 70. 323-367. 10.3102/00346543070003323.

Pike, G. R. (2003). Membership in a Fraternity or Sorority, Student Engagement, and Educational Outcomes at AAU Public Research Universities. Journal of College Student Development, 44(3), 369–382. doi: 10.1353/csd.2003.0031

Sasso, P. A. (2012) Towards a Typology of Fraternity/Sorority Programs. Oracle: The Research Journal of the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors, 7(1), 22-42.

Sterling, A.J. (2018), Student Experiences in the Second Year: Advancing Strategies for Success Beyond the First Year of College. Strategic Enrollment Mgmt Quarterly, 5: 136-149. doi:10.1002/sem3.20113

Upcraft, M., Gardner, J., & Barefoot, B. (Eds.). (2004). Challenge and support: Creating climates for first-year student success. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Important Notice

GoodTherapy is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, medical treatment, or therapy. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding any mental health symptom or medical condition. Never disregard professional psychological or medical advice nor delay in seeking professional advice or treatment because of something you have read on GoodTherapy.