Published: 2024-01-27

The meaning of self-compassion in suffering associated with the terminal phase of the disease experienced in the family - thanatopedagogical approach

Alina Zemełka
Family Forum
Section: Wsparcie Rodziny / Family Support
DOI https://doi.org/10.25167/FF/4864

Abstract

The purpose of this theoretical study was to better understand the thanatopedagogical aspects of self-compassion experienced and developed in the context of the terminal phase of illness experienced among loved ones.  An additional goal was to draw the attention of formal and informal witnesses of suffering to the fact that their care and self-directed kindness is the foundation for competent accompaniment of loved ones experiencing the final stage of life. The relevance of the issue taken up proved to be no less important than its dichotomous potential - benefiting both those experiencing illness and the loved ones caring for them, co-creating with the sick the environment of living and dying - which is still too poorly explored by researchers developing contemporary collective consciousness. In order to achieve the intended goal, a targeted analysis of the available literature was carried out, especially current studies related to self-compassion prepared by Kristin Neff - the doyenne of research related to self-compassion. The analysis controlling the current state of knowledge regarding self-compassion does not allow the conclusion that this phenomenon is a fully discovered, understood and used for the benefit of the individual and the public. Such a conclusion can be drawn only on the basis of fragmentary analyses. Therefore, one of the most significant conclusions turned out to be the one revealing the necessity of further reflection on the intersubjectively important subjective space that is self-compassion.

Keywords:

self-compassion, self-empathy, Neff, terminal phase of illness

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Citation rules

Zemełka, A. (2024). The meaning of self-compassion in suffering associated with the terminal phase of the disease experienced in the family - thanatopedagogical approach. Family Forum, 13, 419–445. https://doi.org/10.25167/FF/4864
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