Self-mutilasie deur jongmense : 'n pastorale evaluering

MA (Pastoral Studies), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2016The theme that has been explored in this study is: Self-mutilation in young people – A Pastoral evaluation. The research objective is to formulate a number of effective guidelines for those involved with the pastoral care of young people affected by self-mutilation. This discourse follows the methodology of Richard Osmer and the Descriptive empirical task (chapter 2) focuses on the question: What is going on in this situation? The question is answered from the empirical research and information is obtained by means of a qualitative research design as well as through in depth semi-structured interviews with a number of co-workers. The aim of the empirical examination is to explore and describe the phenomenon of self-mutilation in a scientific manner. By means of personal conversations and guidance, each self-mutilator is afforded the opportunity to share his/her own life story. The aim is, therefore, to describe that which has taken place and to make insightful observations with regard to the counsellees’ experiences. The essential question that Osmer poses concerning the Interpretive task (chapter 3) is: Why did it happen? The aim is, therefore to understand, and this question is answered from perspectives gained from the neighbouring sciences related to self-mutilation. The important role of the medical sciences (especially neurology), psychiatry, psychology, as well as nursing, with regard to reaching a comprehensive understanding and knowledge concerning the self-mutilator, is covered in this section. The Normative task (chapters 4 and 5) is focussed on applying a fundamental Scriptural basis concerning the pastoral care of young people who self-mutilate. The essential question posed by Osmer in this regard is: What ought to be going on here? The question is initially answered in chapter 4 through studying certain portions of Scripture in order to identify ethical norms as well as pastoral guidelines concerning the pastoral care of self-mutilators. Subsequently in chapter 5, important Scriptural perspectives concerning self-mutilation are identified from pastoral-theological literature. In the Pragmatic task (chapter 6), a number of strategic-theoretical guidelines are formulated concerning the pastoral care of young people who self-mutilate. The essential question posed by Osmer in this regard, is the following: What is the appropriate response? or What needs to change? The aim is subsequently to result in change or renewal as well as to determine how to act in these relevant situations. By means of a hermeneutical interaction between the descriptive, interpretive and normative perspectives and findings, this chapter attempts to establish a holistic and multidisciplinary approach whereby the self-mutilator can eventually be led pastorally to complete healing in Christ.Master