The central theoretical argument of the study is that faith can heal or help
counselees to cope with mood and anxiety disorders.
In the meta-theoretical perspective a literature study of recent research on
mood and anxiety disorders and the therapeutic approaches to each within the
disciplines of psychiatry, psychology, and medicine was done. It was found that
there are a number of different causes and treatments for depression and anxiety
with different disciplines emphasising different perspectives. An empirical study
consisting of qualitative structured interviews and observations of a selected
group of counselees struggling with depression and anxiety was also carried out.
It was established that faith had played a significant role in the healing of the
counselee's depression and anxiety or in their ability to deal with their illnesses.
The goal with the basis-theoretical perspectives was to explore what the Bible
has to teach about 'depression", faith and healing and to research the revelation
historical stance on this. Expositional studies of a selected core of biblical
references pertaining to depression were undertaken and key biblical figures who
suffered from “depression" were studied. It was concluded that although the Bible
does not speak of depression and anxiety per se, it describes people who might
have been suffering from it. Valuable insights that can be used in helping
counselees to deal and/or cope with their depression and anxiety were gained by
studying these biblical characters and passages (2 Corinthians 1:3-11,
Philippians 4:4-13 and Lamentations).
In the practice-theoretical perspective an integrative model which can be used
by pastoral counsellors for dealing with depression in a faith-based context and
for equipping depression sufferers to constructively deal with their depression
and anxiety was developed. This was accomplished by utilising the basis- and
meta-theoretical perspectives in a hermeneutical interaction to formulate a
holistic faith-based model. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:nwu/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/1720 |
| Date | January 2006 |
| Creators | Mitchell, Marika |
| Publisher | North-West University |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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