The Effect of Counseling Sessions on Enhancing University Life Adjustment among Students of the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences

Abstract

The research aims to identify the level of university life adjustment among first-year students in the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, to design targeted counseling sessions that enhance students’ ability to adapt to university life, and to examine the impact of these sessions on improving academic, psychological, and social adjustment. The study specifically seeks to determine the effect of counseling sessions in reducing university-related anxiety, strengthening self-confidence, and improving relationships with peers and faculty members.

The experimental method was employed using an equivalent randomized group design with pre- and post-tests, as it best suits the nature of the research problem and objectives. The research population consisted of first-year students at the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences / University of Diyala for the academic year 2024–2025, totaling 702 students. The research sample was randomly selected and consisted of 50 students who obtained the lowest scores on the university adjustment scale, representing those with low adjustment levels. This sample accounted for 7.122% of the total population.

The researchers concluded that the counseling sessions significantly enhanced academic adjustment by helping students develop time management skills and effectively cope with academic demands. The sessions also improved social adjustment through the development of positive communication and constructive interaction with peers and faculty members. Furthermore, the counseling sessions fostered positive attitudes toward university life, reflected in increased motivation, sense of belonging, and participation in college activities. Additionally, they improved psychological adjustment by enhancing students’ emotional regulation and ability to manage academic stress.

The researchers recommend integrating counseling sessions as part of educational and developmental programs within Colleges of Physical Education and Sports Sciences to support students in overcoming university challenges. They also emphasize the need to train academic staff and educational counselors in applying counseling sessions through modern scientific methods to effectively address adjustment problems. Finally, they recommend utilizing sports and social activities as indirect counseling tools to alleviate psychological pressures and strengthen students’ sense of belonging to the university community.