The Role of Pastoral Counselling in Restoring Hope in Broken Homes and Families. A Case Study of Okole Parish, Lira Urban Archdeaconry, Diocese of Lango
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Date
2024-07-09
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Uganda Christian University
Abstract
This study explored the experiences of individuals from broken homes and the potential of faith based interventions in restoring hope and wellbeing. A survey was conducted among members of a church community, with 51 participants. The findings indicate that a majority of the respondents were male (62.7%) and young-to-middle aged (most frequent age group: 25-35 years). Church attendance was high, with 96.1% reporting attending church for over 5 years. Youths comprised the largest group within church positions (37.3%).
The research suggests positive views on pastoral counseling for broken homes. Respondents showed the highest agreement (mean score of 4.29) with the statement that pastoral counseling is a key principle used by counselors. The data also highlights the challenges faced by individuals from broken homes, with the highest mean score (4.45) for agreement that living in a broken home negatively impacts mental health. Notably, while various coping mechanisms were reported, seeking counseling and support had a lower mean score (3.57) compared to self-care (3.96) and communication strategies (3.76).
In conclusion, this study highlights the potential benefits of pastoral counseling in supporting individuals from broken homes. Further research with a larger sample and exploring reasons for not seeking counseling is recommended. Churches can consider tailoring programs to this
population's needs. Future research areas include long-term effectiveness of pastoral counseling, influence of religious denomination, and exploration of available social and economic support systems.
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Undergraduate Research