Existential' in Scandinavian Healthcare Journals

An Analysis of the Concept and Implications for Future Research

Datos Bibliográficos

ID3582928
AutoresMarianne Rodriguez Nygaard (0000-0001-7385-534X, VID Specialized University, autor de correspondencia), Anne Austad (0000-0001-5804-3247, VID Specialized University), Torgeir Sørensen (0000-0002-1154-8464, VID Specialized University), Oddgeir Synnes (0000-0002-1976-4268, VID Specialized University), Wilfred Mcsherry (0000-0003-0932-5875, University of Staffordshire)
Año2022
Volumen13
Número10
Páginas979
Fecha de publicación2022-10-17
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaReligions (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444
EditorialMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/rel13100979
OpenAlexW4306670620
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas7
Referencias citadas103

The concept of 'existential', used frequently in Scandinavian healthcare journals, is associated with various, often unclear, meanings, highlighting the need for a more accurate understanding of the concept. In this integrative review we analyse how the concept has been used in Scandinavian healthcare journals from 1984 to 2020, exploring the trajectory of the concept, its definitions and its applications. A secondary aim is to offer some clarity regarding how the concept may be used in future healthcare research and provide a definition of 'existential' based on our findings. Our findings show that while the concept is increasingly used, it is rarely defined, and there appears to be no consensus on the concept's meaning. We categorise applications of the concept into five overarching themes: (1) Suffering and re-orientation, (2) Meaning and meaninglessness, (3) Existential philosophy in relation to health (4) Existential questions as approaches to care and (5) Usage and demarcation of existential, spiritual and religious concepts. Based on the findings, we propose a definition of the concept of 'existential' in the healthcare context. The study contributes to, and underscores advantages and limitations of, the use of the concept in healthcare research

CLARITY · Epistemology · Existentialism · Health care · Political science · Sociology · Ethics in medical practice · Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues · Patient Dignity and Privacy · Philosophy · Psychology