'n Multigeneratiewe perspektief op gesinne waarin paniekversteuring voorkom

English: The introduction (Chapter 1) shows that panic disorder is prevalent in a substantial section of the South African population and that it is more prevalent in certain families. The focus of this study was to research the factors, especially the emotional processes of the multigenerational family, which have an influence on the development of panic disorder. The purpose of the study was to do explorative and descriptive research from a multigenerational perspective about families in which panic disorder is prevalent. This was done to make scientifically grounded social work assistance available to those concerned. The conceptual framework of the study is the Bowen Theory. An explanation of Bowen’s conceptualisation of the family as multigenerational emotional system was provided in the literature study (Chapter 2). The way in which the family functions as a multigenerational emotional unit was discussed with reference to Bowen’s eight linked concepts. The Bowen Theory also provides a framework for a holistic analysis of the multigenerational emotional processes of the family, which could possibly lead to the development of panic disorder. Panic disorder as a phenomenon was discussed in Chapter 3. The classification, diagnostic characteristics and symptoms of panic disorder were discussed with reference to the DSM IV TR (2000:429). This discussion is therefore done according to the medical model which emphasises the biological factors involved in the development of panic disorder. The medical model, which was originally a more linear approach to causality, acknowledges the various factors which play a reciprocal role in the development of panic disorder. This corresponds with the systemic approach of the Bowen Theory in which the role of the various factors in symptom development is acknowledged. The geneagram (Chapter 4) developed primarily from the Bowen Theory and is used as a tool to assess a family’s systemic functioning. The format is of such a nature that multigenerational family information (e.g. themes and patterns) can be presented systemically. The case study was utilized as a qualitative research method (Chapter 5). The case study, as research design, was used as a holistic method to investigate the various factors in the development of panic disorder. As research method, the case study thus leaves room for an in-depth study of panic disorder within the context (the multigenerational family) in which it occurs. The empirical study is qualitative (Chapter 6) and semi-structured interviews were conducted with three participants. The participants were diagnosed with panic disorder by two psychiatrists of Bloemfontein and were approached to participate in the study. The interpretation of data, received from the participants, was narrative and descriptive in nature with reference to the eight concepts of the Bowen Theory. The conclusions, based on the literature study and data from the empirical study, were presented in Chapter 7 to determine whether the goal of the study was achieved. The Bowen Theory was utilised successfully in the study of the interaction of various factors in the emotional system of the multigenerational family, which contributes to the development of panic disorder. The conclusion is that factors such as triangulation and emotional isolation contributed to the development of panic disorder in the participants. It is recommended that social workers should be better trained and should obtain theoretical knowledge on panic disorder to be able to assist the panic sufferer and his family. Recommendations for social welfare assistance in practice include among others that certain therapeutic models are used, for example the task-orientated model which will ensure assistance is provided to the panic sufferer and his family. Further research needs to be undertaken to expand theoretical knowledge on this phenomenon and also to enable the social worker to help the panic sufferer and his family. This could also serve as a motivation to include the social worker as a member of a multi-disciplinary team at a psychiatric institution or any other medical institution.