Substance use has become a common phenomenon among the Namibian youth. In that respect, Khomasdal, a suburb of Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, is no exception. Lyndon van Wyk’s research paper assesses the current situation among young people aged 16 to 19 in Khomasdal. It identifies both the causes of substance use and the effects it has on this age group. Furthermore, it demonstrates how church-based pastoral care and counselling can help young people to live transformed lives without alcohol and drugs. The research shows that difficult economic conditions, unfair and systematic inequalities, peer pressure, dysfunctional families and psychological disorders play a significant role in substance use among adolescents. A widespread hedonistic culture and a school system where existentialist and postmodern thinking have replaced the Christian outlook on life are also identified by van Wyk as contributing factors. Furthermore, the study shows that substance use not only leads to dangerous behavioural patterns but also causes personality changes and addiction. Addiction, in turn, leads to criminal activity. Drugs and alcohol also have a direct negative impact on the youth’s cognitive performance and academic achievement.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Chapter One: Research Introduction
- Chapter Two: Research Methodology
- Chapter Three: Literature Review
- Chapter Four: Practical Theology and Counselling
- Chapter Five: Presentation of Research
- Chapter Six: Critical Discussion and Interpretation of Findings
- Chapter Seven: Tentative Suggestions: The Way Forward
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This research paper aims to assess substance use among Namibian youth aged 16-19 in Khomasdal, a suburb of Windhoek, identifying its causes and effects. It further explores the potential of church-based pastoral care and counseling in facilitating positive change.
- Substance use among Namibian youth in Khomasdal.
- Contributing factors to substance abuse (socioeconomic conditions, peer pressure, family dynamics, cultural influences).
- The effects of substance abuse on behavior, personality, and academic performance.
- The role of Christian pastoral care and counseling in addressing substance abuse.
- The potential of churches in Khomasdal to implement effective intervention programs.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Chapter One: Research Introduction: This chapter introduces the research problem: substance abuse among youth in Khomasdal, Namibia. It highlights the socio-historical context of Khomasdal, emphasizing its population and the ongoing challenges faced by its youth. The chapter establishes the significance of the study and provides a brief overview of the research methodology and expected outcomes, setting the stage for the subsequent chapters that delve into the specifics of the research. The introduction likely contextualizes the issue within the broader Namibian landscape, framing it as a significant societal problem demanding attention and action.
Chapter Two: Research Methodology: This chapter details the research methods employed in the study. It outlines the research design, participant selection (likely focusing on the 16-19 age group in Khomasdal), data collection techniques (potentially interviews, focus groups, questionnaires), and data analysis strategies. The chapter justifies the chosen methodology, addressing its strengths and limitations, and ensuring the research's rigor and validity. A clear explanation of the ethical considerations involved in conducting research with vulnerable youth is likely included. The methodology section forms the bedrock of the study's credibility, showcasing its systematic approach to data gathering and interpretation.
Chapter Three: Literature Review: This chapter synthesizes existing literature on substance abuse, particularly among youth, focusing on relevant theoretical frameworks, empirical findings, and existing interventions. It explores the contributing factors to substance abuse identified in previous research and the effectiveness of various interventions, potentially including pastoral care and counseling. The review likely provides a theoretical grounding for the study, informing the research questions and hypotheses, and positioning the current research within the broader academic conversation. The chapter connects the study to established knowledge, guiding the interpretation of findings in later sections.
Chapter Four: Practical Theology and Counselling: This chapter explores the theological and practical aspects of Christian pastoral care and counseling, relating them to the specific context of substance abuse among youth. It likely discusses relevant theological concepts, ethical considerations, and counseling techniques suitable for addressing the needs of young people struggling with addiction. This chapter will bridge the gap between theological principles and practical application, offering a framework for understanding and implementing effective interventions from a Christian perspective. It likely examines how faith-based approaches can integrate with evidence-based practices.
Chapter Five: Presentation of Research: This chapter presents the main findings of the study. It likely includes quantitative and/or qualitative data illustrating the prevalence of substance abuse, the identified contributing factors, and the experiences of the youth involved in the study. This section is likely data-heavy, detailing the results of interviews, focus groups, or statistical analyses. Clear and concise presentation of the research findings is crucial, ensuring that the data supports the overall argument.
Chapter Six: Critical Discussion and Interpretation of Findings: This chapter analyzes and interprets the findings presented in Chapter Five. It relates the findings to the literature review, exploring how the results support or contradict existing knowledge. The chapter likely discusses the implications of the findings, considering their significance within the context of Khomasdal and Namibia, and their contributions to the broader understanding of substance abuse among youth. This is where the researcher explains the meaning behind the data, drawing conclusions and supporting them with evidence.
Chapter Seven: Tentative Suggestions: The Way Forward: This chapter presents practical recommendations based on the research findings. It likely offers suggestions for interventions targeting youth in Khomasdal, emphasizing the potential role of churches and other stakeholders in addressing substance abuse. The chapter may also discuss policy implications or suggest further research directions. The focus here is on translating research into action, proposing concrete strategies to mitigate the problem.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Substance abuse, Namibian youth, Khomasdal, pastoral counseling, church, addiction, socioeconomic factors, peer pressure, family dynamics, practical theology, intervention programs, qualitative research, case study.
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What is the purpose of this language preview?
This language preview provides a comprehensive overview of a research paper, including its title, table of contents, objectives, key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. It is intended for academic use, specifically for analyzing themes in a structured manner.
What is the central theme of the research paper described in this language preview?
The research paper focuses on substance use among Namibian youth aged 16-19 in Khomasdal, a suburb of Windhoek. It aims to identify the causes and effects of substance use and explore the potential of church-based pastoral care and counseling in facilitating positive change.
What are the key objectives of the research paper?
The key objectives include:
- Assessing substance use among Namibian youth in Khomasdal.
- Identifying contributing factors to substance abuse, such as socioeconomic conditions, peer pressure, family dynamics, and cultural influences.
- Analyzing the effects of substance abuse on behavior, personality, and academic performance.
- Evaluating the role of Christian pastoral care and counseling in addressing substance abuse.
- Exploring the potential of churches in Khomasdal to implement effective intervention programs.
What are the main topics covered in the chapter summaries?
The chapter summaries outline the content of each chapter:
- Chapter One: Research Introduction - Introduces the research problem, socio-historical context of Khomasdal, and significance of the study.
- Chapter Two: Research Methodology - Details the research design, participant selection, data collection techniques, and data analysis strategies.
- Chapter Three: Literature Review - Synthesizes existing literature on substance abuse, theoretical frameworks, empirical findings, and existing interventions.
- Chapter Four: Practical Theology and Counselling - Explores the theological and practical aspects of Christian pastoral care and counseling in relation to substance abuse.
- Chapter Five: Presentation of Research - Presents the main findings of the study, including quantitative and/or qualitative data.
- Chapter Six: Critical Discussion and Interpretation of Findings - Analyzes and interprets the findings, relating them to the literature review and discussing their implications.
- Chapter Seven: Tentative Suggestions: The Way Forward - Presents practical recommendations based on the research findings, emphasizing the potential role of churches and other stakeholders.
What are the keywords associated with this research paper?
The keywords include: Substance abuse, Namibian youth, Khomasdal, pastoral counseling, church, addiction, socioeconomic factors, peer pressure, family dynamics, practical theology, intervention programs, qualitative research, case study.
How does the research paper aim to contribute to the understanding of substance abuse?
The research paper aims to contribute to the understanding of substance abuse among youth in Khomasdal, Namibia, by identifying its causes, effects, and potential solutions through church-based pastoral care and counseling. It seeks to provide practical recommendations for interventions and inform policy decisions.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Thorsten Prill (Herausgeber:in), Lyndon E. van Wyk (Autor:in), 2025, Substance Use, the Namibian Youth and the Role of the Church, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1559535
