In this article the background, development, therapeutical value and praxis of film therapy in Christian counselling will be addressed. The second part of the article shows what the scenery beyond film therapy may look like and how this form of therapy may extend to other areas of digital and electronic media in the current counselling and pastoral care praxis. Postmodernity, as the context within which the society finds itself, is discussed, as well as the place of films in postmodernity. The important use and application of narratives in the postmodern era is discussed. Film therapy’s development as an outgrowth of bibliotherapy is explained. It is further shown how film therapy as a tool in the praxis of therapy may provide the ideal atmosphere for learning, enjoyment and edification. The scope of the article also reaches beyond the current use of film therapy by suggesting the use of other social and electronic media in a therapeutical way as an ever-increasing possibility. The article ends with some pointers in the use of film therapy.

A practical theological investigation into the effect of absent fathers: an exploratory qualitative investigation in the Promosa community

In this article it is shown that empirical research can be used to confirm important findings in literature studies about the understanding of absent fathers and the devastating conse-quences such as social problems, socio-economic problems and psychological problems. A literature study was done on the role of the father and all the relevant aspects are viewed in a broader context. The results obtained through a qualitative investigation of eight women from Promosa (Potchefstroom) as a focus group confirmed the trends found in the preliminary literary research. The outcomes may have important implica-tions in the field of practical theology and pastoral guidance for absent fathers, the women involved with those fathers and fatherless children. Some guidelines are proposed towards an effort to help fathers to become more involved

Objectives: In past studies, a lack of social support has been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, particularly in black Africans. However, whether or not coping strategies have beneficial effects on blood pressure (BP) and emotional well-being is not clear. We therefore assessed the relationship between BP levels, depression and coping strategies. Methods: A prospective bi-ethnic cohort followed 359 black and white South African school teachers (aged 20-65 years) over a three-year period. Data on ambulatory 24-hour blood pressure, depression, coping strategies (defensiveness, social support, avoidance) and culture-specific coping scores (cognitive/emotional debriefing, spiritual-, collectivistic and ritualcentred) were obtained. Results: Over three years, chronic depression (38 vs 19%) and hypertension (68 vs 35%) were apparent in blacks (d-values > 0.3) as opposed to whites. In both groups, depression was accompanied by more avoidance (loss-of-control) coping. Consistent spiritual and increasing collectivistic coping were apparent in whites. Over time, increasing defensiveness (OR 1.08, p ≤ 0.05) and ritual coping (OR 1.27, p ≤ 0.01; d-values > 0.5), predicted chronic depression in blacks. The change in their symptoms of depression predicted 24-hour hypertension (OR 1.11, p = 0.04). No similar associations existed in whites. Conclusions: Blacks showed increasing defensiveness and ritual-and spiritual-centred coping in an attempt to combat chronic depression, which may be costly, as reflected by their chronic hypertensive status. Whites showed consistent spiritual-centred coping while utilising avoidance or loss-of-control coping, with a trend of seeking less social support or isolation as a coping mechanism. During counselling of depressed patients with hypertension, the beneficial effects of social support and spiritual coping may be of great importance.

The benefits of biofuels depend on the feedstock, conversion pathway and local context. This paper assesses biofuels technology readiness and developments to provide foresight to biofuels development in Southern Africa. Efficient conversion pathways, coupled with biomass from waste or high-yielding energy crops, will reduce both the costs of biofuels production, and the environmental impacts. Compared to petroleum fuels, the current commercial biofuels (ethanol, biogas and biodiesel) typically offer carbon emission reductions of 30-50% but are marginally more expensive. The extent of biofuels market penetration will therefore be influenced by mandates (blending targets) and subsidies (green premium). Advanced biofuels promise greater efficiencies and carbon emission reductions at reduced cost but will require further research and development to reach commercialisation. If developed appropriately, biofuels can reduce carbon emissions and improve energy security, while enabling sustainable agriculture and improved natural resources management.