A study of advice columns: Problems presented and the actual advice given

Date of Publication

1996

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts Major in Psychology

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Psychology

Abstract/Summary

514 published advice columns of two years were content analyzed using the Problem and Advice Category Checklist. Problems that were reflected on the Gibson-Cline, et al. (1996) study was used as a guide to determine the problems presented in the advice columns. Advicing approaches (cognitive, affective and action-oriented) was also used to determine the nature of advice in advice columns. Three advice columns were included in the study. A consensus was made before tallying the results. The gender and the age group of the letter senders were the variables.

Results showed that females are the frequent letter senders and their concern was mostly courtship and dating. This is also true in the population of males and the young adult age group in general. Homosexuals have concerns on their personal identity and self-concept while the middle aged group was more concern on their family life. The three advice columnists gives advice using the combination of Cognitive/Action-Oriented approach in advising, regardless of the nature of problem, the gender and age of the letter sender.

A significant finding was also found in the process of data gathering. Advice columnists, 35 % of the time, gave religious responses in the advises that they give.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Print

Accession Number

TU07705

Shelf Location

Archives, The Learning Commons, 12F, Henry Sy Sr. Hall

Physical Description

70 numb. leaves ; Computer print-out.

Keywords

Newspapers--Sections, columns, etc--Advice; Interpersonal communication; Counseling

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