Philosophical Bases of Guidance

Philosophy studies the general principles of knowledge. When philosophy is used as a basis of
guidance, the guide uses all the knowledge of philosophy to find the best suitable approach. The
following philosophies can be used as a basis of guidance
1. Idealism:
Idealism deals with the development of self, and claims it is the only way of seeing reality.
Many people believe they can solve their problem by simply dealing with their specific problem. In
this process, they lose focus on the overall development of self. If they cannot solve their specific
problem, they lose all hope even though they have the capacity to develop themselves.
2. Pragmatism:
Guidance involves the use of pragmatist approach, where the guide will deal in areas that
will actually help solve the client’s problem. Pragmatism emphasizes practical experience and using
practical approaches. A Pragmatist guide will show the practical solution to the problems faced by
the client. He will inform the client about the areas which the client should ignore (unpractical
areas) and focus on areas that will actually help make him a better person (practical areas)
3.Realism:
Realists believe in the existence of the physical world, which we can control and not the
spiritual world, which we cannot control. In Guidance, the client is shown the difference between
the real problems and the unreal problems. Real problems exist in reality and therefore can be
solved easily, while unreal problems only exist in the mind. A guide will only deal with issues that
are actually causing problems to the client (real problems)
4. Rationalism
Rationalists philosophers believe that rational thinking, thinking with common sense and
thinking with reason is the only way of finding the truth. This is a philosophy followed by scientists
and researchers, and also applies with Guidance. A Rationalist Guide will focus on the developing
rational thinking in his client. He will encourage the client to set aside personal feelings and focus
on areas that needs more focus.
5.Existentialism
According to Existentialism, nature is subjective, and lies within the individual. That means, what
may look like something to one person, may look like something else for others. In Guidance, the
guidance counsellor tries to understand the perception and view of the student. The world as seen
by adults is very different from the way a student sees the world. Similarly, different children have
different ideas and views of the world and therefore guidance counsellors must treat every student
in a unique manner
 Psychological Bases of Guidance

Psychology is the scientific study of how people behave, think and feel. Psychologists
study everything about the human experience from the basic workings of the human brain to
consciousness, memory, reasoning and language to personality and mental health. The following
psychological forms as the basis of guidance.
1. Psychoanalytic Theory:
According to Freud, personality develops during childhood and is critically shaped through
a series of five psychosexual stages, which he called his psychosexual theory of development. This
theory is very important in Guidance because children nowadays are maturing at a rapid pace.
Unless and until they can balance their physical growth and psychological growth, they will face
several problems
2. Behavioral Theory
Behavioral theory is based on the belief that behavior is learned. Pavlov’s Classic conditioning and
B.F. Skinner’s Operant Conditioning are the most commonly used psychological concepts in
guidance. During Guidance, the guide will try his best to change the bad behaviours of the student
through the use of conditioning, such as negative and positive re-enforcement or rewards and
punishments.
3. Cognitive Theory
In the 1960s, psychotherapist Aaron Beck developed cognitive theory. This counseling
theory focuses on how people’s thinking can change feelings and behaviors. Cognitive theory is brief
in nature and oriented toward problem solving. Cognitive therapists focus more on their client’s
present situation and distorted thinking than on their past. Cognitive and behavioral therapy are
often combined as one form of theory practiced by counselors and therapists. Cognitive behavioral
therapy, or CBT, has been found in research to help with a number of mental illnesses including
anxiety, personality, eating, and substance abuse disorders.
4. Humanistic Theory
Humanistic guidance counsellors care most about the present and helping their students
achieve their highest potential. Instead of energy spent on the past or on negative behaviors,
humanists believe in the goodness of all people and emphasize a person’s self-growth and self-
actualization.
Humanistic theories include client-centered, gestalt, and existential therapies. Carl Rogers
developed client-centered therapy, which focuses on the belief that students should be made to
solve their own psychological problems with the help of guidance counsellors. He believed that
guidance counsellors in schools should show interest and concern for the student’s problems so
that students can be willing to share their problems and be eager to solve their own problems
5. Trait-Factor Theory
This psychological theory is used in career counselling, vocational guidance and
occupational guidance. It follows the idea that every student is gifted with a trait, or special quality.
Students should be encouraged to make the best use of these traits. If a student per sues a subject
or course which he is not fit for, he will face several career related problems. School guides and
counsellors use this Trait Theory to let students make the right decisions about the subjects to
choose and the course to study.
.
 Sociological Bases of Guidance

Modern education has two-fold functions. It must help in individual development as well
as social progress. An individual can only develop in the right direction in social environment.
Through guidance, students can solve various social problems. The following are the Sociological
findings which forms the bases for guidance

1. Need for Social Interaction:

Sociological studies prove that man cannot function properly if he is far from society. After
finishing school, students have to find a job, start a family and live in a community. A person who
does not socialize and interact with the community will face several problems. Schools prepare
children for life in society and therefore proper guidance must be provided to help them adjust.

2. Socially Accepted Behaviours:

Each student is different in their behaviours and attitude. However, some behaviours are
not acceptable in the society. If a student is to function well in society, he needs to develop good
behaviours. Being lazy, dishonest, disrespectful to elders etc. are behaviours no society accepts. In
School, guidance counsellors help in shaping the behaviours of students. Undisciplined,
Mischievous and Disobedient students are provided guidance and help to remove those behaviours.

3. Judgement of Behaviours:
There are a lot of good as well as bad people in the society. In Sociology, we study how
behaviours can be transmitted from one person to another. In a society, who we choose as our
friends can affect not only our reputation, but also our thinking, mentality and way of life. A person
should be able to differentiate between good and bad. He should have the courage to say no to
social evils like crime, corruption etc. In School, Guidance counsellor advice children to keep a good
company, and make friends with students having desirable qualities. They are told not to learn bad
habits from mischievous boys (like smoking, chewing Shikhar etc.)

4. Self-Identity
According to Sociological research, it has been found that people who have no sense of self
identity tend to be depressed and unhappy all the time. They try to be like others, imitating other’s
behaviours, copying popular fashion and trends. Among teenagers, this problem is very common
and can lead to severe personality disorders like sociopathy. Guidance counsellors teach students
to develop their own self-identity, form their own opinion and have their own values.

5. Developing Communication Skills

A vital part of socialization is communication. Communication forms a link between people,
which allows exchange of information as well as feelings. A person who can communicate properly
tend to become more popular and likeable, which allows him to enjoy various perks and special
treatment in. In school, Guidance counsellors develop good communication skill sin students but
conducting special classes like spoken English, listening skills and body language.