SPECIAL ISSUE 2 July 2026
DOI DOI: 10.66434/ijspsy.v1i2si.474

Enhancing accessibility and effectiveness of student counselling services through technology-enabled psychosocial support: Evidence from a Namibian university

Aune Ndeumona Sam1, Anna Niitembu Hako1, Emilia Ndapandula Mbongo1
  1. 1 University of Namibia, Namibia

Abstract

Traditionally, counselling has been preferred to be done on a face-to-face basis. However, with the rise of technological forces in the 21st Century and the impact of COVID-19, many university activities have shifted online, reducing in-person interactions and making it difficult for students to present their challenges to university counselors. This study explores the use of technology-enabled counseling to support students' psychosocial well-being. Generation Z, which currently makes up the majority of university intake, has its life revolving around technology, but less has been done to include psychosocial support in their technological education. 32 second-year education students were selected via the online Moodle platform using a convenience sampling technique targeting second-year students at the University of Namibia. A qualitative research approach within an interpretivist paradigm was used, and open-ended interview questions were applied to gain data. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, which involved identifying and coding common themes. The findings showed that much remains to be done for the university to implement technology-enhanced counseling fully. Issues of a lack of counsellors, limited network access, limited awareness of mental health, and ethical concerns were highlighted as factors that limit accessibility and effectiveness of technology-enabled counselling. This study, however, recommended approaches that universities can use to improve the accessibility and effectiveness of technology-enabled support services by providing insights into integrating digital counselling and psychosocial support in higher education settings.

How to Cite

Sam, A. N., Hako, A. N., & Mbongo, E. N. (2026). Enhancing accessibility and effectiveness of student counselling services through technology-enabled psychosocial support: Evidence from a Namibian university. International Journal of Studies in Psychology, 1(2si), 10–17. https://doi.org/10.66434/ijspsy.v1i2si.474
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