PASTORAAT AAN DIE AFGETREDE EGPAAR DEUR KANKER GEAFFEKTEER: âN NARRATIEWE BENADERING

• Main Author: Brunsdon, Alfred Richard
• Other Authors: Prof J Janse van Rensburg
• Format: Others
• Language: en-uk
• Published: University of the Free State 2007
• Subjects: Practical Theology
• Online Access: http://etd.uovs.ac.za//theses/available/etd-06282007-130324/restricted/

A diagnosis of cancer is shattering news. It is imbedded in negative social discourses like suffering and has far-reaching implications for those affected by it. Couples who have reached the unique life-stage of retirement, are affected in a specific way by a diagnosis of cancer. Not only are the so-called golden years in jeopardy, but also the positive opportunities associated with this lifestage. In view of the apparent lack of pastoral models to cope with this phenomenon, this study will seek a workable model by which the retired couple affected by cancer can be counselled. The narrative approach to therapy has attracted a great deal of attention in therapeutic circles during recent years. It will therefore be used within the framework of this research. It will, however, be used within the diaconiological epistemology and not within the context of its original epistemological roots. Linked to a qualitative approach, this study will be descriptive and exploratory in nature while conducting therapy with a retired couple affected by cancer. As qualitative research is a form of participatory research, it makes the description of the pastoral-therapeutic process possible. At the basis of this narrative pastoral activity lie Biblical principles as the diaconiological epistemology perceives the Bible as being normative for pastoral therapy. When the life-goals of man are viewed within the light of Scripture, the radical nature of cancer becomes apparent. Scripture also provides valuable insight as to what the goals of therapy should be within this study. As the diaconiological epistemology acknowledges and make use of metatheoretical insights, basic theoretical insights are drawn from disciplines such as psychology, sociology and systems theory. In this manner a clearer understanding of the retired couple is achieved. This study serves the community by giving a retired couple affected by cancer the opportunity to tell their problem-saturated story. With the narrative approach as strategy the pastoral process gives them a chance to tell their story in a reflective manner. In doing so, the negative discourses of cancer can be heard. However, it also offers them the opportunity to recall the times that they coped well with cancer and in doing so, reminds them that a full life is possible in spite of a serious illness. The sustenance of God and his Holy Word also becomes apparent and in this manner the transforming effect of pastoral therapy comes to the fore. This study also serves the reformed pastoral therapy as it utilises a contemporary pastoral approach within a diaconiological epistemology. It shows that the narrative approach is valuable as a model by which the retired couple affected by cancer can be counselled and helped to lead a meaningful life amidst an existential crisis.