Abstract:
The present thesis deals with pastoral counseling with mourning adolescents in contemporary times. The research carries out a bibliographical investigation on concepts and definitions of adolescence, mourning and pastoral counseling in the present day. It notes that physical and mental changes resulting from puberty present the adolescent person with a new condition of life and participation in society. It is possible to find in adolescence definitions that involve biological, cultural and social aspects to characterize this phase of life. It clarifies that, even though it is possible to define adolescence in general terms, valid for anyone in any part of the world, adolescence is also something unique and specific to each individual. Therefore, the consequences of this transition to adulthood are particular for each adolescent. Three issues are presented as relevant in contemporary times, they are identity, social networks and rites of passage. It is observed that identities in postmodern society are always under construction, reconstruction and readjustments, demanding constant flexibility from adolescents. Social networks present new tools for virtual connection and new forms of relationships, requiring new skills and abilities. The rites of passage, experienced in the form of initiation rites for adult life, go beyond the denominational spaces of the churches and are shown in secular spheres of the lives of adolescents. Given these aspects, adolescence requires care and attention from family members and professionals who interact with people at this age. Next, the research explores the theme of mourning. The experience of mourning the death of a close person implies a painful experience. For adolescents, this suffering may also be linked to the difficulty of expressing their pain. In this sense, it was necessary to investigate general definitions about mourning, stages and tasks of mourning and mourning in the coronavirus pandemic to then deepen the issue of mourning experienced by adolescents. It is noticed that factors of childhood life such as classic losses, temperament and autonomy interfere with the experience of mourning. Another factor that draws attention refers to the use of the internet and relationship apps to express grief and interact with bereaved people. After dealing with relevant and contextual aspects of adolescence and mourning, the research dealt with contemporary pastoral counseling and empathic listening, presenting some concepts and definitions, investigating individual care, support groups and new technologies. of communication. The information collected allowed, in the final part of the thesis, to explore pastoral counseling with bereaved adolescent people from spaces of trust and acceptance, citing three examples: community services, confirmation classes and youth groups. When working with grieving adolescents, the relevance and applicability of a dynamic and empathetic listening on the part of the pastoral agents is verified. It is also noted the importance of support networks for adolescents in mourning, which can act in visitation and in holding meetings of communal interaction groups that reflect on the theme of mourning.
