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Bullying and social discourse: A pastoral response to the role of the faith community

Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2026.

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Other Authors: Dreyer, Yolanda
Format: Thesis
Language:English
Published: University of Pretoria 2026
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access_status_str Open Access
author2 Dreyer, Yolanda
author_browse Dreyer, Yolanda
author_facet Dreyer, Yolanda
collection Thesis
dc_rights_str_mv © 2024 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria.
description Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2026.
format Thesis
id oai:repository.up.ac.za:2263/108660
institution University of Pretoria (South Africa)
language English
last_indexed 2026-06-10T12:36:59.347Z
license_str Other — see source repository
provenance_str_mv Harvested via OAI-PMH from UPSpace — University of Pretoria Institutional Repository
publishDate 2026
publishDateRange 2026
publishDateSort 2026
publisher University of Pretoria
publisherStr University of Pretoria
record_format dspace
source_str UPSpace — University of Pretoria Institutional Repository
spelling oai:repository.up.ac.za:2263/108660 Bullying and social discourse: A pastoral response to the role of the faith community Dreyer, Yolanda judyp@telkomsa.net Plaatjes, Judy G Bullying Pastoral counselling Social discourse Narrative hermeneutics Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2026. Bullying is a complex phenomenon that affects the emotional well-being of learners. This behaviour is characterised by intentional intimidation, harm, or the exertion of control over individuals. The behaviour includes verbal, physical, emotional, and cyberbullying, all characterised by a notable power imbalance. While most research focusses on supporting victims, the behaviours and motives of perpetrators are often overlooked. Schools’ responses have generally focused punishment measures; however, these strategies seldom address the fundamental psychosocial, cultural, and social factors that contribute to the continuation of bullying dynamics. The behaviour of perpetrators of bullying is examined through the sociological lens of symbolic interaction. In order to understand the causes of bullying behaviour, it is necessary to examine the social context of individuals who engage in such behaviour. The study will explore the phenomenon of bullying and the social discourse around bullying. Social discourse can inadvertently exacerbate the bullying problem by shaping perceptions, reinforcing negative stereotypes, and influencing people's reactions to bullying. The three commonly acknowledged frameworks of the parent-child relationship encompass attachment, social support, and family systems. Each one examines the aspects of the parent-child relationship which affect the child's emotional, social, and behavioural development. The study presents a spiritually centred, multidisciplinary framework that integrates narrative hermeneutics with holistic pastoral care and counselling. The aim is to promote restorative processes for both victims and perpetrators while nurturing lasting relational and communal renewal. Educative counselling plays an important role in holistic pastoral care and counselling. It combines the insights and methods of two pastoral functions, specifically education and guidance, to help people achieve the primary goals of healing and wholeness. This study proposes a spiritually-oriented, multidisciplinary framework integrating narrative hermeneutics with holistic pastoral care and counselling. The objective is to facilitate healing for both victims and perpetrators, which allows for restoration in relationships and communities. University of Pretoria and the Faculty of Theology and Religion Postgraduate Bursary Practical Theology PhD (Practical Theology) Unrestricted Faculty of Theology and Religion SDG-03: Good health and well-being SDG-16: Peace, justice and strong institutions 2026-02-26T13:34:34Z 2026-02-26T13:34:34Z 2026-05-26 2025-08-29 Thesis * M2026 http://hdl.handle.net/2263/108660 10.25403/UPresearchdata.31423172 en © 2024 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria. application/pdf University of Pretoria
spellingShingle Bullying
Pastoral counselling
Social discourse
Narrative hermeneutics
Bullying and social discourse: A pastoral response to the role of the faith community
title Bullying and social discourse: A pastoral response to the role of the faith community
title_full Bullying and social discourse: A pastoral response to the role of the faith community
title_fullStr Bullying and social discourse: A pastoral response to the role of the faith community
title_full_unstemmed Bullying and social discourse: A pastoral response to the role of the faith community
title_short Bullying and social discourse: A pastoral response to the role of the faith community
title_sort bullying and social discourse a pastoral response to the role of the faith community
topic Bullying
Pastoral counselling
Social discourse
Narrative hermeneutics
url http://hdl.handle.net/2263/108660