Die gebruik van die sosiale netwerk Facebook as deel van ‘n pastorale benadering tot emosioneel verwonde adolessente

Abstract

In this study the theme is: The use of the social network Facebook as part of a pastoral approach towards emotionally wounded adolescents. The objective is the eventual formulation of a pastoral counselling model for guiding traumatized and emotionally wounded adolescents towards well-functioning individuals with mental and psychological well-being. Osmer's pastoral-theological method is taken as a basis of departure and accordingly the descriptive empirical task is discussed in chapter 2. Osmer's question, "What happens in this particular situation?" is answered from the empirical research based on a qualitative research design as well as through semi-structured interviews with four respondents. During the interaction with the respondents, aspects of the narrative and cognitive approaches are also incorporated with a view to fostering self-awareness, which again will lead to growth as a further result. As part of Osmer's interpretive task the researcher focused in chapter 3 on additional guidelines from the neighbouring sciences concerning the pastoral guidance of emotionally wounded and traumatized adolescents. Osmer's question, "Why did this happen?" is applicable here. Adolescence seems to be a meaningful time of development and the digital factor, especially social networks, appears to be crucial in this regard. In this study, emphasis is placed on this aspect, especially on the possibility of using social media, and in particular Facebook, to achieve spiritual and emotional growth in adolescents. As part of the normative task the researcher focused on a number of important perspectives from the Bible in chapter 4. The important question here according to Osmer is: "What should happen here?" Aspects which are emphasized here are the renewal of the praxis, faith renewal and deepening of spirituality, based on three passages which are raised: Galatians 5: 22-23, focusing on relationships; Psalm 113:7-8, which can be applied among other aspects, to emotional woundedness and/or trauma; and John 1:12, pointing to a person's value with God. Chapter 5 still forms part of the normative task and here the emphasis is on Scriptural perspectives and guidelines from pastoral-theological literature. A matrix is spelled out in terms of guiding the emotional wounded on route to healing and a new identity in Christ. During the counselling process growth towards spiritual and psychological maturity takes place. Facebook techniques are constantly intertwined like a golden thread throughout the mentoring process. The pragmatic task in Chapter 6 deals with the formulation of a strategic-theoretical model with which emotionally wounded and/or traumatized adolescents can be guided pastorally. The important question connected to this task according to Osmer, is the following: "How might we respond?" or "What should change?" The goal is then to cause change or renewal. It should also be determined what the actions in specific situations should be. By way of a hermeneutical interaction between the descriptive, interpretive and normative perspectives, it is attempted in this chapter to compile an overall strategy that can be efficiently and effectively focused on the unique needs of adolescents. The fact that a social medium like Facebook is part of the strategy also ensures the impact and scope, as confirmed in this study. Chapter 7 is a final summary of the conclusions of all the various chapters as well as recommendations regarding possible future research arising from this study.