2012

Although psychology in the media has met with wide acceptance from the general population, little is known about the effects of this type of programming on consumers. Additionally, one specific population, evangelical Christians, historically have been reluctant to access the offerings of psychology and counseling. In this study the researchers explored the perceptions and opinions of listeners to a call in counseling program on a Christian radio station via a survey they developed which was sent out in the monthly newsletter of the radio station to the entire mailing list. Approximately 16,000 surveys were sent out with instructions for responders to complete and return the survey only if they had listened to the call-in program within the last 2 years. A total of 599 surveys were returned with various numbers being accurately marked and included in the sample sizes for each research question The results indicate the reasons given by Christians for listening to the program. Additionally, the types of actions they took as a result of listening are discussed. The results of the study suggest listeners’ opinions of counseling became more positive as a result of listening and that several participants reported entering counseling in person as a result of listening to the program.