Participants were selected using a convenience sample. The primary researcher met with
school counselors at his internship site. The researcher explained the purpose, procedures, and
potential benefits of the study. The counselors were asked to nominate students on their caseload
who were potential candidates for the study. Students who have had prior communication with
their counselor regarding stress associated with post-secondary planning were said to be
appropriate candidates. Twenty-one students were referred for possible inclusion in the study.
The primary researcher then conducted a brief interview with each of the referred students. The
interviews took approximately 10 minutes. The interviews were used to gauge the potential
participants’ stress and post-secondary uncertainty, to explain the nature of the study, and if
appropriate, to invite their participation. During the interviews, students were asked to discuss
their potential plans after high school, their current stress levels, and to talk about how the