Technology and family relationships : a narrative pastoral counselling approach

Abstract

This study explores the use of technology in families. The research question pertains to how the frequent use of technology affects family relationships. The study aims to come to a deeper understanding of how the use of technology affects the way in which family units interact and what the consequences are for their relationships. These insights are utilised to develop guidelines for pastoral care with families. The study explores various theories on media and communication and utilises the Multi-Theoretical Model. Insights with regard to concepts such as family, information communication technologies and the internet that are gleaned from various disciplines are brought into discussion with what a narrative pastoral counselling approach would entail in the context of families and the use of technology. The narrative approach to pastoral counselling focuses on stories that are told and social discourses that are investigated to ascertain their effect on the thinking and practices of people. The narrative approach is nonjudgmental. This focuses on meaning, interpretation and linguistics in order to gain a deeper comprehension of individuals and how they deal with their challenges. The paradigm is postmodern and epistemology social constructionist. In pastoral narrative counselling, the spiritual aspect of being human and individuals perceptions of and relationship with God play a central role. The aim of pastoral care and counselling is to provide holistic care that takes all aspects of personhood into account. The study illustrates the impact of technological use on families. Family relationships are often affected negatively by the overuse of technology by family members. On the other hand, technology can also serve to maintain close contact and good relationships over great distances in a mobile era where family members often find themselves in different countries and continents. In a work environment the positive side of technology is that it provides instant contact. On the other hand this can cause work to intrude in the family environment to the extent that it affects family interactions negatively. From a pastoral care and counselling perspective, the study contributes insight into the situation of families and technology and provides guidelines for mitigating the negative effects on families and households. Internet access should be regulated in such a way that communication in the family can be improved. This would require a disciplined lifestyle for the good of all within the household. Technology should be used in moderation. The findings of the study highlight the significance of technology and how technology influences the family system. Therefore, appropriate strategies to promote healthy family relationships should be implemented in the home and encouraged and guided by pastoral care and narrative pastoral counselling. Such strategies include that family rules are put into place, family time is prioritized, and family cohesion is strengthened.