Die wisselwerkende verband tussen Christelike spiritualiteit en adolessente se dieet verwante besluitnemingsprosesse

Abstract

Research has been conducted on the physical, emotional, psychological, and social well-being components that contribute to adolescents' health. The spiritual well-being component of adolescents' health is rarely focused on, and this study therefore focuses on the problematic field of Christian spirituality and eating habits. The overarching research question of this study is the following: What is the interplay between spirituality and diet-related decision-making in adolescents, viewed from a Christian pastoral perspective and informed from a theological anthropology? The purpose of this research study is therefore to explore the relationship between Christian spirituality and diet-related decision-making to show how theological anthropology can guide pastoral support of adolescents in their diet-related decision-making processes. In this study, it was indicated that there is a gap in existing research to explore the interplay between Christian spirituality and diet-related decisions during adolescence. In Chapter two, issues regarding food in contemporary society and its influence on adolescents' holistic health, with specific focus on their Christian spirituality and diet-related decision-making processes, were contextually explored and described. In Chapter three, theological anthropology discusses the theological significance of food, as well as identifying and describing Christian normative perspectives that guide responsible dietary decision-making processes. Chapter four focuses on laying down pastoral foundations for deepening an understanding of the interplay between Christian spirituality and diet-related adolescent decision-making processes. In Chapter five, the central theoretical argument of the study is thus supported, by stating that spirituality, from a Christian pastoral perspective, can play a positive role in the way adolescents enter into responsible decision-making regarding their diet.