An envisioning about the caring in listening

Abstract

Scand J Caring Sci; 2015; 29; 548-554 An envisioning about the caring in listeningThe purpose of this article is to make visible further dimensions and uncover an envisioning about the caring in listening in the field of caring science, which may improve the care for the suffering human being, the patient. Eriksson's caritative theory of caring constitutes the starting point for this search for knowledge, while the research method is realised by a hermeneutic reading based on the philosopher of hermeneutics, Gadamer's thought. The research is realised by a reading of Fyodor Dostoyevsky's literary works. The literary characters Sonia in Crime and Punishment and Alyosha in The Brothers Karamazov, uncovers patterns of meaning-bearing units towards the caring and the interpretation of a more profound envisioning about the caring in listening. The uncovering and interpretation show that patients in their suffering long to meet a caregiver who listens without the least condemnation in their eyes and demeanour.Patients need a listening caregiver who shows compassion and who has the courage to remain in the struggle of suffering and to carry the patients through insupportable pain, guilt and shame. Through listening, it is possible to reawaken a numb heart, to take individuals who have gone through a good deal of suffering, from darkness, degradation, unendurable pain to the light and to awaken their zest for life and joy to live. Listening renews, delivers and transforms human beings so that they can begin to find a new direction in life and start living a life in accordance with their own fundamental order, purpose, essential decision and individuality. Listening takes patients out of their loneliness and unbearable suffering into communion and a life worth living.

Clinical caring science as a scientific discipline

“…Hence, systematic knowing can be seen as a sounding board in the clinical situation . To be listened to and thereby as a patient to listen to one's own heart may mean to see suffering related to achieving health . This approach implies entering a situation with no particular preconceptions, as naked as the patient is in her or his suffering.…”

“…Systematic basic research can begin with a semantic analysis of single concept in a hermeneutic tradition, such as responsibility and dignity . Other examples of practice concepts include caring for and listening .…”

‘The Art of Understanding in Forensic Psychiatric Care’ – From a Caring Science Perspective Based on a Lifeworld Approach

“…Patients cared for in a forensic psychiatric setting describe needs of feeling a sense of belonging in order to being able to be themselves and to feel being accepted (Aga, Vander Laenen, Vandevelde, Vermeersch, & Vanderplasschen, 2017). Koskinen and Lindstr€ om (2015) assert that a carer who listens, shows compassion and is together with the patient in his/her struggle in suffering can take the patient out of his/her loneliness and thus alleviate suffering.…”

The meaning of person‐centred care in the perioperative nursing context from the patient's perspective – an integrative review

“…, Karlsson et al . , Koskinen & Lindström ). Having caregivers who stand by the patient enables the patient to regain the courage to live and hope, as these are critical prerequisites for recovery and inner healing (Koskinen & Lindström ).…”