Ricerca di senso e narrazione nell’esperienza di malattia: una prospettiva fenomenologico-esistenziale

[Autom. eng. transl.] The experience of the disease raises radical questions about the sense or non-sense of existence as a whole: does it make sense to live if you have to suffer? And what, then, is the meaning of life? These are questions that arise in those who care and in those who are treated by contact with the limit, pain, death. From this point of view, that of homo patiens is an ambiguous condition: it can lead to nihilism and despair or to a higher level of awareness and responsibility. The literature on resilience, post-traumatic growth and meaning-making processes seem to demonstrate that precisely in difficult situations, the need for meaning emerges overwhelmingly, so much so that the ability to restore meaning to life constitutes a protective factor and an invaluable resource. therapeutic, while the loss of meaning exacerbates weakness and vulnerability. But what is meant by "meaning" in the experience of illness and how can it be integrated into one's personal history? We try to answer this question here through the principles of the narrative method, in order to develop in health professionals the aptitude to approach their patients with sensitivity and understanding and to help them find meaning in life, despite everything.