Die rol van vrees by die swaarmoedige adolessent: 'n pastorale studie

Abstract

The focal point in this study is the pastoral counselling and care of the heavy-hearted or depressed teenager who struggles with fear. The basic-theoretical perspective (chapter 2) emphasises the importance of counselling of the teenager from a Biblical viewpoint to be a testimony of the greatness of God. The fear that the teenager suffers from, is also described as the enemy who poses a threat to the inner being of the person. Therefore this type of threat can often lead to the total destruction of the inner being of a teenager. An intimate relationship with God enables a person to seek refuge in God from any problem he or she might experience. This relationship with God will guarantee the person of His full protection. It is of the utmost importance for an adolescent to seek wisdom and follow their parental guidelines. It is also important for young people to make the correct choices to enjoy the protection and guidance of God. They must also continually ponder over and treasure the guidance of their parents. The meta-theoretical perspective (chapters 3 and 4) focusses on the contribution and applicability of neighbouring sciences such as psychology, sociology and criminology. It was proven among other aspects that emotional hurt in different areas, was the reason for serious damage to the inner being of teenagers. In many cases the result was amongst others an identity crisis as well as a low self-esteem. At the end of this section temporary guidelines are suggested to aid the counselling of the depressed teenager who suffers from excessive fear. The section on empirical research (chapter 4) as a sub-section of the meta-theoretical research, introduced four case-studies regarding teenagers who had traumatic experiences and as a result suffered from multiple negative emotions. In all four cases it became evident that these emotions were eventually the result of a life without any joy or meaning. A very important factor regarding their negative self-image or self-perception seemed to be the absence of role-models. The further result repeatedly seemed to be a distorted relationship with God and fellow-men. In the section on practical-theoretical perspectives (chapter 5) an attempt is made to formulate an adapted practice theory through a hermeneutical interaction between basis-theoretical guidelines and meta-theoretical perspectives that can be applied to the guidance of the emotionally wounded teenager who is wrestling with fear. Included hereby is then a proposed model with some practical guidelines.