Article

The spiritual wellness of Beyers Naudé: A psychobiographical study of a South African anti-apartheid theologian

Published in: Journal of Psychology in Africa
Volume 25 , issue 5 , 2015 , pages: 429–437

DOI: 10.1080/14330237.2015.1101264

Author(s): Paul Fouché Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, South Africa , Barbara Burnell Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, South Africa , Roelf van Niekerk Department of Industrial and Organisational Psychology, South Africa

Keywords: Beyers Naudé , spirituality as life task , Wheel of Wellness model , psychobiography , life history case study

Download full text Get new issue alerts

Abstract

The study explores and describes Beyers Naudé's (1915–2004) spiritual wellness across his lifespan. Naudé's life history was uncovered through the systematic collection and analyses of life history materials. Data were interpreted applying the Wheel of Wellness model (WoW) by Sweeney and Witmer (1991, 1992). Findings suggest that spirituality, as the major life task of the WoW, characterised Naudé's earlier years and also epitomised his later years. Underlying life-span and life-space influences included important life-forces such as the roles of the community, religion, government and politics in his life. Hope and optimism embodied Naudé's belief about promoting and preserving human dignity, human rights and respect for life.

« The Dracula killer: A psychobiographical illustration of the Schahriar syndrome model for serial murder

Psychobiography in psychology: Past, present, and future »