The shift from Modernism to Postmodernism had a dramatic impact on different spheres of life, especially on premarital relationships. The Song of songs has been used as basis theory in this study on premarital relationships. The study attempts to lay down guidelines for premarital relationships from the conviction that human relationships are grounded in God's love for man. The perspectives which have became evident are developed and evaluated through the meta-theory. Any study on young people in relationships must consider changes in society due to the fact that young people perform an important seismographic function. This is due to the fact that they are not only deeply affected by these changes but are also acting as indicators for the demands and challenges that changing times has on people and relationships. The lifecycle from late adolescence to early adulthood is studied. Special focus is given to different areas of development in this lifecycle as well as to different relationships young people are involved with. Qualitative interviews have been used to determine the effect of the Postmodernism and the specific lifecycle on young people in premarital relationships. A practice-orientated theoretical framework for pastoral guidance of young people in premarital relationships is drafted. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

The shift from Modernism to Postmodernism had a dramatic impact on different spheres of life, especially on premarital relationships. The Song of songs has been used as basis theory in this study on premarital relationships. The study attempts to lay down guidelines for premarital relationships from the conviction that human relationships are grounded in God's love for man. The perspectives which have became evident are developed and evaluated through the meta-theory. Any study on young people in relationships must consider changes in society due to the fact that young people perform an important seismographic function. This is due to the fact that they are not only deeply affected by these changes but are also acting as indicators for the demands and challenges that changing times has on people and relationships. The lifecycle from late adolescence to early adulthood is studied. Special focus is given to different areas of development in this lifecycle as well as to different relationships young people are involved with. Qualitative interviews have been used to determine the effect of the Postmodernism and the specific lifecycle on young people in premarital relationships. A practice-orientated theoretical framework for pastoral guidance of young people in premarital relationships is drafted. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.