People expenencmg chronic pain encounter increases m needs and endure the consequences of failure to satisfy needs. In much of the management of people with chronic pain, chronic pain is considered an abstract phenomenon with little attention given to the human experience. Numerous literature focus on a mechanistic reductionistic approach in management of chronic pain. Most literature is written by medical practitioners, nurses and psychologists from a health-care oriented methodology, whereas minimal research literature was contributed from a pastoral care and counselling perspective. This dissertation explores the needs and feelings of people with chronic pain to identify their needs at the various developmental stages of their pain experience, and within their relevant ecosystems, in order to develop a pastoral response. / Practical Theology / M. Th. (Practical Theology)

This dissertation examines the use made of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator in the pastoral work of Anglican Clergy. The practical theological focus of the study is reflection on praxis. Various theories of pastoral work are discussed. The history and development of the MBTI is given as well as the Jungian background to it. A qualitative research, grounded theory approach, is utilised. Interviews of 14 Anglican clergy generate the data for the research. The research questions are: "Why do Anglican clergy use the MBTI?"; "How do Anglican clergy use the MBTI?" The research findings show that Anglican clergy use the MBTI for the purpose of personal growth, clergy self-care, and understanding relationships. Anglican clergy attend workshops which encourage the application of MBTI insights in pastoral work. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / M Th. (Practical theology)

People expenencmg chronic pain encounter increases m needs and endure the consequences of failure to satisfy needs. In much of the management of people with chronic pain, chronic pain is considered an abstract phenomenon with little attention given to the human experience. Numerous literature focus on a mechanistic reductionistic approach in management of chronic pain. Most literature is written by medical practitioners, nurses and psychologists from a health-care oriented methodology, whereas minimal research literature was contributed from a pastoral care and counselling perspective. This dissertation explores the needs and feelings of people with chronic pain to identify their needs at the various developmental stages of their pain experience, and within their relevant ecosystems, in order to develop a pastoral response. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / M. Th. (Practical Theology)

Presented work deals with analysis and description of the pastoral approaches of youth workers in the Salesian youth centres. The common characteristics of the Salesian youth centres are presented in the introductory part of the work. At first this theoretic part deals with the common conception of the Salesian youth pastoral ministry, afterwards deals with the official Czech conception. Second part of the work is applied. It is focused on the qualitative research realised in autumn 2007. It involved 18 respondents from the Salesian youth centres. This applied part starts with description of the research preparation and continues with description of the research process. Finally it deals with the data synthesis. There is a list of the results at the end of this part. There is a large supplement of the data attached at the end of the work.

Diploma thesis Assistance to the handicapped people and their families deals with demanding challenges which parents with children born with handicap are faced. Concerning the exacting situations that aren't one - time but long-term, parents are grateful for each support or help. Therefore a sensitive assistance to these families is very important. To make it effective, it's necessary to understand both thinking, feelings, handicapped child's needs and members of their broad surroundings. That's why this thesis occupies with challenging life situations, stress and stress coping in general, child's handicap, accepting this child and related unexpected new situations by parents. The thesis deals with issues related to children with autism and with Down's syndrome. It presents significant role of support for children with handicap and their families provided by the self-governed associations and groups. It occupies with assistance to these families with handicapped children by means of challenge for pastoral work and evangelization. Key words: Stress, demanding situation, handicap, family, autism, Down's syndrome, pastoral work, assistance, self-governed associations, social network.

In South Africa, no occupational or professional councils for pastoral work exist as yet. In order to support pastoral counsellors in their negotiations to obtain professional status in this country, the presumed limitations and ineffectiveness of present mental health systems in South Africa is examined. Pastoral counselling as a possible national health resource is explored with reference to primary health care, freedom of choice, consumer rights, cost-effectiveness, spirituality, social change and reconciliation and multi-cultural application. Arguments are imbedded in relevant theory and supported by vignettes of suffering, survival, and redemption in spirituality. A postmodern, qualitative approach is used. Participants' narratives indicate that they have experienced healing through utilising their religion and spirituality. However, this study does not claim to provide conclusive proof that pastoral work is relevant in this country - it should be seen as part of a process which aims to develop pastoral counselling as a profession. / Practical Theology / M. TH. (Pastoral Therapy)

This thesis is about pastoral work with people who live with mobility impairment. The research address two main questions, namely "What are the implications of acquired mobility impairment for personal identity and collective identity?" and "How can we in Christian faith communities, through pastoral work, facilitate a sense of belonging and strengthen personal identity and collective identity for people who are mobility disadvantaged?" This thesis therefore addresses the problem of identity. Thus, a theoretical analysis from literature sources is undertaken to explore theories about narrative identity in relation to personal identity and the importance of the metaphor "belonging" to bridge the gap of personal identity to collective identity. Consequently, religious identity is discussed in relation to the notion of multiple identities and the importance of collective identity to shaping personal identity. The research questions are answered through a theoretical exploration of approaches to disability and qualitative, narrative empirical research is undertaken. A few people who are quadriplegic, a family member and an occupational therapist are interviewed and the recounting of their "stories" facilitated. The empirical research results in highlighting that the research participants' "stories" discloses a link between bodily restrictions and social restrictions to mobility. This combination works together to make social interaction very difficult and clearly influenced the transition from pre-quadriplegia to post-quadriplegia. Analysing the "stories" told by the research participants allows for critical reflection on a preferred pastoral work praxis to people living with mobility impairment. Narrative identity is linked with a theology of embrace and metaphors of "covenant" and "belonging" which expresses that faith communities should imitate the embracing love and compassion of the Triune God who through the act of suffering included all humankind. It provides the foundation for a preferred pastoral work praxis of "embrace" which can be practised holistically and actively through integration with the other practices of faith communities to facilitate a sense of belonging to a collective identity. / Practical Theology / D. Th. (Practical Theology)

Text in Afrikaans / Rituals are part of our everyday life and are usually performed unconsciously. In this dissertation rituals are used consciously, within a therapeutic context, with the purpose to facilitate healing and growth. The aim of the research is to focus the readers' attention on the therapeutic potential of rituals and its value as an intervention strategy. The study concentrates on the grieving process. The researcher therefore specifically wants to show how rituals are used during grief counselling. The following research problem was investigated in the study: "What is the attitude, opinion and knowledge of professional caregivers concerning the use of rituals as a therapeutic tool during grief counselling?" Out of the research data the following hypothesis was formulated: - To grief over a loss is essential. Because of the basic properties and remedial functions of rituals, rituals can be a valuable therapeutic tool in the facilitation of this process. - There is an inherent connection between professional caregivers' attitudes, opinions and knowledge of therapeutic rituals and the regular and effective use of them during grief counselling. - The use of rituals during grief counselling is only one component in the comprehensive pastoral care of the bereaved. / Practical theology / M.Th.

Text in Afrikaans / Dr. J D Vorster het gedurende sy bedieningstyd in die N.G.Kerk [1935-1978] ontwikkel en gegroei tot 'n invloedryke kerkleier. Die faktore en omstanighede wat tot sy vorming bygedra het is die onderwerp van hierdie studie. Die f eit dat hy in die Stormberge gebore en getoe is asook .karaktereienskappe wat hy van sy voorsate geerf het, was belangrike komponente in sy vorming. Boustene soos godsdiens en volksliefde het in sy ouerhuis die grondslag gele vir sy teologiese beskouings wat op universiteit ontwikkel het. Sedert 1935 is hy in die bediening verder gevorm deur pastorale werk, kerklike vergaderings en briefwisselings. Kulturele en politieke betrokkenheid asook gevangenisstraf het horn bekend gemaak en gebrei. 'n Doktorsgraad in die Kerkreg was verder die regte skoling vir die amp va.n Aktuarius - 'n pos wat met soveel deeglikheid uitgevoer is dat hy later as kerkleier erken is met sy verkiesing as Moderator. / During his ministry in the D.R.Church, dr.J D Vorster developed and grew to become an influential church leader. The subject of this study is the factors and circumstances which contributed to his forming. The fact that he was born and bred in the Stormberge as well as the characteristics he inherited from his ancestors were important components in his forming. Building stones such as religion and nationalism in his parents home laid the .foundation of his theological views which developed at university. He was further formed in his ministry through pastoral work, church meetings and correspondence. Cultural and political participation as well as imprisonment made him well-known and tough. His doctorate in church law put him on the right track for the post of Actuary - an off ice which he filled with so much efficiency that his leadership in the church was recognised with his election as Moderator. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / Th. M. (Church History)

The thesis focuses on the development of youth pastoral care in the diocese of Ceske Budejovice in the last 10 years. The most important part of this thesis is the description of individual activities that were held for the youth in the diocese of Ceske Budejovice in 2008 - 2018 and the folowing evalution of interviews held with staff of DCM and DCŽM.