The phenomenon of cutting is extremely complex, as is the care of those who engage in it. This work provides exhaustive knowledge of the kinds of clinical interpretations of cutting that exist and interventions offered to curb this maladaptive behavior. It empowers volunteer youth workers to feel more confident in responding to young women who are cutting. It also encourages those who work in evangelical Christian contexts to draw carefully, cautiously, and judiciously, from the resources of their faith tradition as their contribution to the care of young women who cut.

Text in German, summaries in German and English / In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird empirisch-theologisch der Frage nachgegangen, welche Relevanz Partizipation in der kirchlichen Praxis für beteiligte Ehrenamtliche besitzt. Dazu wurden qualitative, halb-standardisierte Interviews mit jungen Erwachsenen aus partizipativen Jugendarbeiten in Köln geführt und diese anschließend methodisch ausgewertet. Ziel war es, einen Eindruck zu gewinnen, warum sich junge Menschen partizipativen Gemeindeformen anschließen und dort mitarbeiten- und welche Rolle dabei die partizipativen Elemente tatsächlich einnehmen. Dies geschieht vor dem Hintergrund aktueller und historischer kirchlicher Praxis, vor dem die Ergebnisse betrachtet, reflektiert und nutzbar gemacht werden. / This research paper examines how important participation is for volunteers at church. The goal of this study is to gain insights into why young adults join participatory forms of church youth work and participate actively in the programs as well as to determine how important participatory elements really are to them. The study is carried out with empirical-theological methods. Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with young adults in participatory clerical youth organizations in Cologne. Subsequently, these interviews were examined methodologically. Against the backdrop of current and historical ecclesiastical practice, these results were considered, reflected upon and made useable. / Practical Theology / M. Th. (Practical Theology)

An applied study was undertaken to describe the current position of youth work as profession in the Dutch Reformed Church and to identify factors influencing the sustainability. A review of relevant literature, as well as an empirical survey were conducted to investigate pertinent factors such as the working conditions, the person and the training of the youth worker. In the empirical research respondents completing questionnaires consisted of former students of the Huguenot College currently employed as church youth workers, and those who left the ministry. Interviews were conducted with congregations currently employing or having employed youth workers. It is evident from this study that the youth work profession is not yet satisfactorily established and thus contributes to youth workers leaving the ministry. In the interest of youth ministry, it is essential for the Dutch Reformed Church to acknowledge these factors influencing the sustainability of youth work as profession, in order to get this occupation properly established. / Practical Theology / M.Diac. (Jeugwerk-rigting)

An applied study was undertaken to describe the current position of youth work as profession in the Dutch Reformed Church and to identify factors influencing the sustainability. A review of relevant literature, as well as an empirical survey were conducted to investigate pertinent factors such as the working conditions, the person and the training of the youth worker. In the empirical research respondents completing questionnaires consisted of former students of the Huguenot College currently employed as church youth workers, and those who left the ministry. Interviews were conducted with congregations currently employing or having employed youth workers. It is evident from this study that the youth work profession is not yet satisfactorily established and thus contributes to youth workers leaving the ministry. In the interest of youth ministry, it is essential for the Dutch Reformed Church to acknowledge these factors influencing the sustainability of youth work as profession, in order to get this occupation properly established. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / M.Diac. (Jeugwerk-rigting)