Pastorale terapie aan die persoon bo tagtig jaar

[摘要] English: Chapter 1 of this study focuses on the growing numbers of older persons and the corresponding pastoral-therapeutic implications. Progressive developments in medical research and treatment and socio-economical change offer persons older than 65 a longer life expectancy and enable them to remain active for a longer period. The demographical implication is that persons in this age group form a larger proportion of populations across the world. These worldwide trends are also evident among all population groups in South Africa with comprehensive consequences in all areas of life, in particular also in respect of the pastoral care and spiritual well-being of the aged. The largest proportional increase in numbers is in the age group above 80. This population segment also includes the largest number of frail elderly persons, who have a special need of pastoral therapeutic support and involvement. In the context of developments in Practical Theology special reference is made to the effects of a hermeneutic approach manifested in post-modern and post-foundationalist paradigms. A diaconiological frame of reference is maintained in the discussion of basistheoretical, meta-theoretical and practical-theoretical methods of approach. In research studies of meetings with elderly residents, based on participative action research, observations are made using the different pastoral-therapeutic approaches as lenses. In chapter 2 the historical development of hermeneutic theory leading to the construction of a hermeneutic paradigmatic frame is pursued. Pastoral-therapeutic implications of a hermeneutic paradigm, which include a systemic and narrative approach, are critically considered. Metatheoretical psychotherapeutic narrative methods and pastoral therapeutic models, which represent different emphases, are critically evaluated from a diaconiological position. In chapter 3 metatheoretical gerontological and psychological scientific contributions are discussed. Residents in a retirement village who wish to receive pastoral therapy are involved in practical applications. The circumstances and views of residents were solicited in a general opinion survey. Basis-theoretical points of departure are elucidated with reference to the pastoraltherapeutic models of Louw and Gerkin. Basic-theoretical and other practical theological points of departure are applied as lenses in participative action research. Practical theoretical pastoral therapeutical approaches are introduced in chapter 4 with special reference to the practice-theory-practice spiralling model of Müller. This is followed by research reports of meetings with persons older than 80, in which perspectives that arose from views through the different practical-theological lenses are given. Perspectives gleaned from the different approaches enhanced the value of results separately and jointly. Contemplation of the Christian truths of salvation and particularly the comfort of eschatological promise afforded basis-theoretical opportunities for the affirmation of faith. Memories from the respondents' own life stories, in particular of the experience of weakness, pain and dependency, could be placed in the context of the Grand Narrative in the process of therapeutic narrative involvement. The metatheoretical gerontological and psychological lenses contributed valuable perspectives to the experience of later old age, leading to meaningful pastoral-therapeutic application. A better understanding of the need for spiritual growth and the achievement of integrity through self-acceptance and gerotranscendancy could be gained. Psychotherapeutic narrative methods such as deconstruction, externalization and unique outcomes could be applied with good outcomes in a diaconiological scriptural normative approach. Through the application of a practicaltheoretical spiralling practice-theory-practice lens special value could be added by close integration of the own story with the story of the Bible. Although behavioural changes in older persons who have set thinking patterns are difficult to achieve, limited success was achieved in the positive handling of mutual relations of inmates and influencing their actions. The most beneficial pastoral-therapeutical effects were probably achieved in respect of the integration of memories of life, which surfaced in stories told in conjunction with the reality of Christian experience at this late stage of life.

[发布机构] University of the Free State