Helping-on air: An exploratory study on radio counseling elements and process

• Main Author: Bustillo, Angeli O. Baldovino
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2004
• Subjects: Counseling; Social case work; Mass media and social service
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/3139
• Institution: De La Salle University

This research explored the different areas of on-air radio counseling by utilizing a qualitative descriptive design in looking at the elements and process involved in radio counseling as well as the profile and counseling experiences of radio hosts. The transcribed on-air counseling sessions were analyzed to look for trends that may point out for elements and process of radio counseling. An actual observation in the radio stations afforded the researcher a glimpse of how radio counseling operates from the beginning until the end of the program. Four radio hosts were included based from the inclusion criteria in this study. They were interviewed based on a guide questionnaire prepared by the researcher in order to find out basic demographic information and their significant radio counseling experiences. The results of the study showed that the process of radio counseling involves a series of steps similar to face-to-face counseling. There were noted similarities in the process, however, the element of time was seen as the most crucial factor in determining the content, direction and length of the stages in the counseling process. The profile and counseling experiences of radio hosts showed that most of them had adequate training and academic preparation in counseling. Their counseling philosophy and personal background were reflected in their individual approach to counseling. The growing demand for personal counseling was evident from the number of callers who try to seek help in radio counseling. A training program in radio counseling would be useful to educate and train people who are handling calls whether on or off-air counseling. Radio counseling is here to stay, therefore, a need to upgrade and professionalize this form of helping is necessary.