| Summary: | Generalized Anxiety Disorder and related disorders frequently occur in the
community. While the behavioural sciences have done much research on this, a
justifiable pastoral therapeutic approach to a therapy for the individual who suffers
from it, is needed. While psycho- and pharmacotherapy cannot be ignored, pastoral
therapy - which takes into consideration the religious aspects of the individualâs world
- can make a contribution to the treatment of the disorder. In this study the
correlation between the individualâs father image and her/his image of God, as well as
its influence on the development of Generalized Anxiety Disorder is researched.
Favourable dividends to address the disorder are found through narrative rewriting of
the individualâs father and God concepts.
In chapter 1 the subject area of practical theology is explored. Attention is given to
epistemological matters and the selection of a paradigm, resulting in the selection of a
deductive theological epistemology within the reformed theological paradigm.
Furthermore a diaconiological approach to the subject area is chosen and a
diaconiological integrating encounter model is submitted for research.
The second chapter comprises a summary of the field of anxiety disorders in order to
obtain a complete view of the etiological and symptomatological aspects thereof. This
psychopathological frame of reference however does not imply a modernistic approach
to therapy, but aims to simplify naming various forms of anxiety disorders. In
chapter 3 the research continues with specific attention to Generalized Anxiety
Disorder. That the disorder is long-term and that known forms of therapy have limited
effect is meaningful for a pastoral therapeutic approach.
As the correlation between the father and God image is a central theme in this study,
the father metaphor is explored from a theological perspective in chapter 4. Naming
God as Father is inherent to Scripture and is meaningful for the way the individual
experiences God. In Chapter 5 feministic commentary on masculine language
concerning God is considered, and although feminine or gender neutral terminology for
God is not supported, cognizance is taken of important correctives for traditional
phrases of speech concerning God. This awareness sensitizes the pastoral therapist to
accuracy concerning content in the application of the father metaphor. The theological
research is concluded in chapter 6 with considerations regarding the use of Scripture in
pastoral therapy as well as the faith imperative that encourages the individual to trust
despite of anxiety.
In chapter 7 the coherence between father- and God images and the symptomatology
of Generalized Anxiety Disorder is explored. A negative father image, which leads to a
distortion of the individualâs image of God, results in existential insecurity, which
causes a lack of security within the individual. This deprivation of security is identified
as a causal factor for Generalized Anxiety disorder.
The development of a therapeutic model is discussed and methodology justified in
chapter 8. The selection of a deductive epistemology results in the diaconiological
nature of the model while itâs integrating nature makes the use of insights from other
disciplines, as well as their application in a narrative modus operandi. In chapter 9 the
practical application of the diaconiological integrating encounter model is researched
using a narrative process in the context of a qualitative single case study.
The conclusion in chapter 10 shows that the research hypothesis namely that the
father- and God images of an individual can be a causal factor in the development of
generalized anxiety disorder, is justified and that the healing of these concepts can be
facilitated through narrative therapy, thus presenting a contribution to the therapy of
individuals with this disorder.
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