Recent Trends in Studies on Student Counseling:

A Literature Review of 2024

Abstract

This study reviews literature on student counseling published in Japan in 2024, with the aim of identifying recent research trends. Twenty-one works were examined and categorized according to the Student Counseling Handbook (2020 revised edition): (1) General Perspectives, (2) Counseling and Support Practices, (3) Activities within the University Community, and (4) Foundations of Student Counseling.
Three main features emerged. First, research extended beyond individual counseling to include group activities and outreach, highlighting diverse approaches to understanding and supporting students. Second, following the 2021 amendment of Act for Eliminating Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities, which mandated reasonable accommodation in private universities, reports on disability support have increased. These studies emphasized not only institutional reforms and individualized accommodations but also practices that encourage students’ autonomy. Third, increasing attention has been paid to the stability of counselors themselves, with a focus on employment conditions and self-care.
Overall, the 2024 literature reflects a broadening of student counseling research, emphasizing inclusivity, systemic development, and the well-being of both students and practitioners.