| dc.description.abstract | This study focused on the pastoral guidance of the emotional wounded teen on the basis of
a number of broad markers from the book Ecclesiastes.
From the basis–theoretical research (Chapters 2 and 3) it was clear that it is a major
challenge to come to a proper understanding of the nature and problems of the teen and his
experiences.It there is the necessary understanding of all the relevant aspects and if these
are handled correctly, it can promote the growth process of the teen developing an intimate
relationship with God, and eventually also lead to the experience of a true sense of life and
joy. From Ecclesiastes a number of guidelines were identified which can assist in giving the
teen the necessary perspective about his daily life struggles. Answers to the search for
sense and joy in life do not lie in people and things under the sun, but in a living and intimate
relationship with God, in other words in that which is above the sun (to use the imagery of
Ecclesiastes).
The meta–theoretical section focused on contributions from the adjacent disciplines. Here it
was clear that the emotional wounding of the teen results in damage to the forming of
identity and self–esteem.When the teen, in a changing environment, does not experience
safety and security within healthy relationships, it quite often leads to an identity crisis and to
more wounding.
From the empirical research it transpired that, as a result of the burden of unresolved
emotional baggage from the past, teens are inclined to have a very negative view of the
challenges of life and also to experience life as senseless and without joy. In the
establishment of an own identity and self–esteem they displayed a strong need for personal
relationships. Their negative and weak self–esteem can furthermore be traced to the lack of
role models. Another consequence of this lack is a weak relationship with God and other
people, as well as an inability to make decisions and to handle crises and trauma.
In the practice–theoretical section, through a hermeneutical interaction between basistheoretical
guidelines and meta–theoretival perspectives, the formulation of an adapted
practice theory, on the basis of guidelines from Ecclesiastes, about the pastoral guidance of
the emotional wounded teen was attempted.
This model, aimed at pastoral practice, presents parameters for the pastoral guidance of all
unresolved trauma and the emotional pain of teens, which are aspects that inhibit spiritual advancement and emotional healing. Only then will the teen be able to truly focus on the
enjoyment of life under the sun, in the light of the principles and guidelines from
Ecclesiastes. | en_US |
