Meaning and Purpose in Life in Aging: A Scoping Review / Sentido e Propósito de Vida na Velhice: Uma Revisão de Escopo

ABSTRACT The feeling that life has meaning or purpose is essential for human beings. Absence of meaning can lead to an existential vacuum. Purpose in life, akin to meaning in life, derives from the humanistic psychology theory of Frankl, and they are considered synonymous. Other scholars, however, regard the two constructs as distinct. The objective of the review was to map both concepts in the gerontological literature, examining how they manifest in aging. The review of the databases was carried out between January 2019 and March 2020. Thirty articles were included. In the context of aging, results were conflicting. The literature review yielded evidence to affirm that meaning and purpose in life are distinct concepts, despite sharing the same existential-philosophical roots.

RESUMO O sentimento de que a vida tem sentido ou propósito é essencial ao ser humano. A ausência de sentido pode levar a um vácuo existencial. Propósito de vida, a exemplo de sentido, também deriva da psicologia humanística de Frankl, sendo considerados sinônimos. No entanto, há estudos que propõem distinção entre os dois construtos. A revisão tem por objetivos mapear ambos os conceitos na literatura gerontológica, examinando-os à luz do envelhecimento. O levantamento nas bases de dados foi realizado de janeiro de 2019 a março de 2020. Foram incluídos 30 artigos. No contexto do envelhecimento, os resultados foram controversos. A literatura revista apresentou evidências para afirmar que sentido de vida e propósito são conceitos distintos, apesar da origem filosófico-existencialista comum.

Sentido de vida y su asociación con la ansiedad y la depresión en jóvenes / Meaning in life and its association with anxiety and depression in young people

Resumen El sentido de vida se ha convertido en una importante variable salutogénica en las poblaciones más jóvenes. La investigación ha evidenciado que el sentido de vida está relacionado con la disminución de comportamientos de riesgo, como el consumo de sustancias psicoactivas, y es un factor protector frente a diferentes problemáticas de salud, que van desde los eventos cardiovasculares hasta la disminución de la aparición de sintomatología ansiosa y depresiva. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar cómo esta variable se asocia con la ansiedad y la depresión en un grupo de adolescentes y jóvenes. Se analizaron los datos de 596 participantes colombianos cuyas edades oscilaron entre 18 y 24 años (M = 21; DE = 1.74; 68 % mujeres y 32 % hombres). Se utilizaron la Escala Dimensional de Sentido de Vida y la Escala para la Depresión, la Ansiedad y el Estrés (DASS-21). En primer lugar, se encontraron diferencias significativas en las puntuaciones de sentido de vida en las siguientes variables: los participantes que reportaron algún diagnóstico de enfermedad, consumo de sustancias psicoactivas y estrato socioeconómico. Se presenta un modelo resultante de un análisis de ecuaciones estructurales basado en cuadrados mínimos parciales. El modelo tuvo índices de ajuste adecuado (NFI = .84; SRMR = .06). El sentido de vida se asoció negativa y significativamente con la ansiedad y la depresión. Los resultados encontrados presentan implicaciones para la investigación al tiempo que se constituyen en sustento empírico para incluir la variable en programas de intervención y prevención, de tal forma que puedan evaluarse objetivamente y consigan disminuir las puntuaciones de ansiedad y depresión en jóvenes.

Abstract Around 300 million people in the world suffer from depression and anxiety. Both have become, according to the main organizations, one of the first causes of disability and lost work years on the planet. Not to mention that depression is one of the main antecedents of deaths by suicide. Both have a special impact on young populations and adolescents. In Colombia the data is not more encouraging, around 53 % of the young people has at least one symptom of anxiety and 80 % have at least one symptom of depression. Given this data, anxiety and depression constitute important health problems that require sufficient attention. On the other hand, the meaning in life has become an important salutogenic variable in younger populations. Recent research has shown that the meaning in life is related to the reduction of risk behaviors, such as the consumption of psychoactive substances, and is a protective factor against different health problems, ranging from cardiovascular events to the reduction of the appearance of anxious and depressive symptoms. Based on the above, the objective of this study was to identify how the meaning in life is associated with anxiety and depression in adolescents and young people. The data of 596 Colombian participants whose ages ranged between 18 and 24 years (M = 21; SD = 1.74; 68 % women and 32 % men) were analyzed, the only condition to participate was knowing how to read and write. The Dimensional Meaning Life Scale and the Scale for Depression, Anxiety and Stress (DASS-21) were used. Firstly, significant differences were found in the meaning in life scores in the participants who reported a diagnosis of disease, consumption of psychoactive substances and socioeconomic condition. The highest meaning scores were obtained by people who did not have a diagnosis of medical or psychological illness, who did not consume any psychoactive substances, and people in the highest socioeconomic status. Likewise, there were differences for anxiety and depression, people with a diagnosis of disease and who consume psychoactive substances had higher scores for both anxiety and depression. Women had higher anxiety scores, and people from the lowest socioeconomic conditions had the highest scores for depression. A model resulting from an analysis of structural equations based on partial least squares is presented. The model had adequate fit indices (NFI = .84; SRMR = .06). The meaning in life was negatively and significantly associated with anxiety and depression. The path coefficients of the latent variable meaning in life show an impact of -.49 on anxiety and -.71 on depression. According to the R squared values, the meaning of life explains 24 % of the presence of anxiety symptoms and around 51 % of depression. Regarding the measurement model, both the Dimensional Meaning in Life Scale and the Scale for Depression, Anxiety and Stress (DASS-21) showed excellent adjustments in the measurement and operationalization of the latent variables. The results found present implications for research, and they also constitute empirical support to include the variable in intervention and prevention programs that can be objectively evaluated and reduce anxiety and depression scores in adolescents and young people, which would also allow to reduce all the negative consequences associated with both pathologies. Other projections and limitations associated with what was found in this research are discussed.

Sentido de vida e saúde mental em professores: uma revisão integrativa / Meaning in life and mental health at teachers: an integrative review / Sentido de vida y salud mental en docentes: una revisión integradora

RESUMO A presente revisão integrativa da literatura tem por objetivo investigar a relação entre sentido de vida (SV) e saúde mental em professores. As bases de dados acessadas para a busca das evidências foram: Web of Science - Coleção Principal, ERIC (ProQuest), PsycINFO, Scopus, SciELO e PePSIC. O período de publicação dos artigos abrangidos foi de janeiro de 2000 a dezembro de 2020 para responder à questão norteadora: Como a relação entre sentido de vida e a saúde mental em professores é abordada na literatura científica? Dos sete artigos recuperados, verificou-se que o sentido de vida está associado negativamente com síndrome de burnout e estresse percebido e proporciona melhores índices de funcionamento psicológico e de satisfação vital em docentes.

ABSTRACT This integrative literature review aimed to investigate the relationship between the meaning of life and mental health in teachers. The database accessed for the search for evidence was: Web of Science - Main Collection, ERIC (ProQuest), PsycINFO, SciELO, and PePSIC. The articles covered were from January 2000 to December 2020 to answer the following guiding question: How is the relationship between the meaning of life and mental health in teachers addressed in the scientific literature? Of the seven selected articles, we found that the meaning of life is negatively associated with burnout syndrome and perceived stress and provides better rates of psychological functioning and vital satisfaction at teachers.

RESUMEN La presente revisión de literatura integradora tuvo como objetivo investigar la relación entre el sentido de la vida y la salud mental en los docentes. Las bases de datos a los que se accedió para buscar evidencia fueron: Web of Science - Main Collection, ERIC (ProQuest), PsycINFO, Scopus, SciELO y PePSIC. El período de publicación de los artículos fue de enero de 2000 a diciembre de 2020 para dar respuesta a la pregunta orientadora: ¿Cómo se aborda en la literatura científica la relación entre el sentido de la vida y la salud mental en los docentes? De los siete artículos seleccionados, se encontró que el sentido de la vida está asociado negativamente con el síndrome de quemarse y el estrés percibido y proporciona mejores índices de funcionamiento psicológico y satisfacción vital en profesores.

Sentido de vida en adultos mayores institucionalizados desde el enfoque Humanista-Existencial / Meaning of Life in Institutionalized Older Adults from the Humanist-Existential Approach

Resumen Objetivo. Identificar el sentido de vida en un grupo de adultos mayores institucionalizados, desde una perspectiva humanista-existencial. Método. Se efectuó un diseño cualitativo fenomenológico en el que se entrevistaron a 8 adultos mayores con edades entre 74 y 99 años, bajo la técnica de relato de vida, efectuándose un análisis narrativo temático. Resultados. Se observaron 3 ejes temáticos (actividades previas a la institución, historia de vida personal y acontecimientos vitales en torno al sufrimiento). De estos, se desprendieron los valores existenciales que permitieron dar cuenta de un sentido de vida en los adultos mayores institucionalizados. En conclusión, los adultos mayores orientan su vida hacia sí mismos, hacia las demás personas dentro de la institución y presentan un sentido hacia la muerte.

Abstract Objective. Identify the meaning of life in a group of institutionalized older adults, from a humanistic-existential perspective. Method. A phenomenological qualitative design was carried out where eight older adults aged between 74 and 99 years were interviewed, using the life story technique, carrying out a thematic narrative analysis. Results. Three thematic axes were observed (activities prior to the institution, history of personal life, and vital events around suffering). From these, the existential values that allowed to give an account of a meaning of life in institutionalized older adults emerged. In conclusion, older adults orient their life towards themselves, towards other people within the institution, and have a meaning of death.

Sentido de vida en personas adultas mayores semi-institucionalizadas

RESUMEN Introducción: El envejecimiento poblacional impone la necesidad de prever servicios de salud de calidad y especializados, así como un soporte psicológico y social adecuado para la promoción del bienestar de las personas mayores. Objetivo: Caracterizar el sentido de vida en personas mayores semi-institucionalizadas de la ciudad de Santa Clara, Cuba. Métodos: Se asumió un enfoque cualitativo con un diseño fenomenológico. Se emplearon como técnicas la entrevista en profundidad, el Registro de la Actividad Método Directo e Indirecto y el Cuestionario PIL. Los datos fueron procesados mediante el análisis de contenido y la triangulación de datos. Resultados: Como principales resultados se señala que, en las personas mayores participantes, se apreciaron limitaciones en las dimensiones experiencias de sentido, metas y tareas y dialéctica destino-libertad. Discusión: El sentido de vida en las personas mayores participantes se configuró en torno a la salud, los contactos sociales y familiares, las metas propias, la necesidad de trascendencia, la libertad, la felicidad y la participación. La ausencia de sentido se asoció a la carencia de un objetivo específico, a la incapacidad de legar sus conocimientos y experiencias de vida; así como a llevar una vida rutinaria.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Population aging imposes the need to provide quality and specialized health services, as well as adequate psychological and social support to promote the well-being of the elderly. Objective: To characterize the meaning of life in semi-institutionalized elderly people in the city of Santa Clara, Cuba. Methods: A qualitative approach with a phenomenological design was assumed. The in-depth interview, the Direct and Indirect Method Activity Record and the PIL Questionnaire were used as techniques. The data were processed through content analysis and data triangulation. Results: As main results, it is pointed out that, in the elderly participants, limitations were seen in the dimensions experiences of meaning, goals and tasks and the destination-freedom dialectic. Discussion: The sense of life in the participating elderly people was configured around health, social and family contacts, their own goals, the need for transcendence, freedom, happiness and participation. The absence of meaning was associated with the lack of a specific objective, the inability to pass on their knowledgement and life experiences; as well as leading a routine life.

Resiliencia, optimismo, esperanza y sentido de vida en el adulto mayor con y sin enfermedad crónica de la ciudad de Bogotá / Resilience, Optimism, Hope, and Sense of Life in Older Adults With and Without Chronic Diseases in Bogota

Resumen El padecimiento de enfermedades crónicas impacta la calidad de vida, el bienestar y el funcionamiento de los adultos mayores. De allí la necesidad de potencializar las cualidades y recursos psicológicos que incidan de forma positiva en su calidad de vida. En ese sentido, el objetivo de la investigación fue describir los niveles de resiliencia, optimismo, esperanza y sentido de vida en el adulto mayor con o sin enfermedad crónica. El diseño del estudio fue de tipo descriptivo correlacional, de corte transversal, por encuesta. Participaron 200 personas, 100 que presentaban una enfermedad crónica y 100 que no la presentaban, seleccionadas mediante muestreo no aleatorio de sujetos disponibles, residentes en Bogotá (Colombia). Se utilizaron instrumentos para medir resiliencia (Cuestionario Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC 10)), optimismo (Escala de Optimismo Disposicional (DIOP)), esperanza (Escala de esperanza para adultos AHS (Adult hope scale)) y propósito vital (Test de Propósito Vital (PIL)). Los resultados indican que los adultos mayores con enfermedad crónica muestran niveles menores de resiliencia, optimismo, esperanza y propósito de vida, en comparación con los adultos mayores sin enfermedades crónicas. Lo anterior, nos permite entender que la condición de enfermedad afecta los recursos psicológicos de la persona, entendidos en esta investigación como resiliencia, optimismo, esperanza y propósito de vida, que a su vez funcionan como factores protectores de la salud mental en los procesos de enfermedad, en los cuales se visualiza la oportunidad de fortalecer o reforzan mediante el establecimiento de programas de intervención.

Abstract Having a chronic disease impacts the quality of life, well-being, and functioning of older adults. Hence the need to potentiate the psychological qualities and resources that positively impact their quality of life. In this sense, the objective of this research was to describe the levels of resilience, optimism, hope, and sense of life in older adults with or without chronic diseases. The study design is descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional, with the use of surveys. A total of 200 people participated, 100 with a chronic disease and 100 without, selected through non-random sampling of available subjects residing in Bogota (Colombia). Instruments were used to assess resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale Questionnaire [CD-RISC 10]), optimism (Dispositional Optimism Scale [DIOP]), hope (Adult Hope Scale [AHS]), and vital purpose (Vital Purpose Test [PIL]). The results indicate that older adults with chronic diseases have lower levels of resilience, optimism, hope, and life purpose, compared to older adults without chronic diseases. This allows us to understand that having a disease impacts the psychological resources of a person, understood in this research as resilience, optimism, hope, and life purpose, which in turn function as protective factors of mental health. There is an opportunity to strengthen or reinforce these factors through the creation of intervention programs.

Consumo de riesgo de alcohol y sentido de vida en adolescentes de 18 a 20 años en Tezontepec de Aldama / Risk consumption of alcohol and its impact on the meaning of life in adolescents aged 18 to 20 in Tezontepec de Aldama

Introducción: el consumo de alcohol aumento en los últimos años en adolescentes, la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) indica que América Latina se posiciona en primer lugar de consumo y México ocupa el décimo lugar, en la población adolescente 38.8 % ha consumido alcohol alguna vez en su vida. Objetivo: conocer el nivel de consumo de riesgo de alcohol y el sentido de vida en los adolescentes de 18 a 20 años de edad de la comunidad de Presas, Tezontepec de Aldama, Hidalgo. Material y métodos: de aplicabilidad básica, cuantitativo, con un nivel de alcance descriptivo; diseño metodológico no experimental (observacional), prolectivo, transversal, prospectivo. Resultados: por medio de la escala dimensional del sentido de vida, 34 participantes refieren tener una búsqueda de sentido de vida expresan, experimentar una vida sin propósito y sin sentido, aunque en ocasiones poseen momentos en los que se sienten orientados. En cuanto, al instrumento de medición AUDIT, 10 participantes refieren tener un alto consumo de alcohol. Conclusión: hoy el alcohol sigue siendo un problema en la comunidad adolescente al mismo tiempo impacta de manera negativa en su sentido de vida.

Introduction: adolescent alcohol consumption has increased in recent years. The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that Latin America is ranked first in this consumption and Mexico's adolescent population occupies tenth place. 38.8% of them have consumed alcohol at some point in their life as much as you have consumed in the last year. Objective: to know the level of risky alcohol consumption and the meaning of life in adolescents between 18 and 20 years of age in the community of Presas, Tezontepec de Aldama. Material and methods: of basic applicability with a quantitative approach and with a descriptive scope level, with a methodological design; non-experimental (observational), prolective, transversal, prospective. Results: 34 participants report having a search for a sense of life, expressing that they are people who experience a life without purpose and meaning, although sometimes they have moments when they feel oriented. Regarding the results of the AUDIT Measurement Instrument, 10 participants report having a high consumption of alcohol, stating that they are personnel who consume alcohol more frequently. Conclusion: alcohol is still a problem in the community today. Adolescent at the same time negatively impacts their sense of life; since young people who are at risk of alcohol have a low meaning of life

El sentido de vida, una condición existencial / The meaning of life, an existential condition

El ser humano siempre ha estado en la constante búsqueda de sentido y preguntándose por su existencia. El hombre moderno además de encontrase en esa búsqueda, también se halla permeado por la angustia constante, está sometido a la cosificación de sí mismo, la hipeconectividad, el consumismo, la incertidumbre y la inmediatez, lo cual lo conduce de manera casi inminente al aburrimiento y el tedio, es decir, a la frustración existencial, llevándolo a enfrentarse con sus pseudosatisfactores y dejándolo de cara ante el vacío de su propia existencia y el cuestionamiento: ¿para qué estoy en el mundo?

Human beings have been in a constant search for meaning and wondering about its existence. The modern man, in addition to finding himself in this search, is also permeated by constant anguish, is subjected to the objectification of himself, hyper-connectivity, consumerism, uncertainty and immediacy, which leads him almost imminently to boredom, which is existential frustration, leading him to face his pseudo-satisfiers and leaving him face to face with the emptiness of his own existence and the question: what am I in the world for?

Sentido de vida: compreendendo este desafiador campo de estudo / Sens de la vie: comprendre ce domaine d'étude difficile / Sentido de la vida: comprender este desafiante campo de estudio / Meaning in life: understanding this challenging field of study

Resumo Sentido de vida é uma variável que tem sido considerada central para compreensão do bem-estar humano nas últimas décadas. Entretanto, o estudo desse conceito é muito mais antigo e ele já recebeu contribuições da filosofia, da psicologia humanista, da logoterapia e, recentemente, da psicologia positiva e da psicometria, o que possibilitou que tal construto fosse mensurado. Este artigo explora os caminhos de sentido de vida enquanto construto ao longo do tempo, discutindo as contribuições que o conceito recebeu de diversas teorias psicológicas, incluindo o recente modelo tripartite de sentido de vida. Por fim, são discutidos os desafios enfrentados por pesquisadores e clínicos que buscam trabalhar com essa variável.

Résumé Le sens de la vie est une variable qui a été considérée comme essentielle pour comprendre le bien-être humain au cours des dernières décennies. Cependant, son étude est beaucoup plus ancienne, en ayant reçu des contributions de la philosophie, de la psychologie humaniste, de la logothérapie et récemment, de la psychologie positive et de la psychométrie, rendant ce concept mesurable. Cet article discute les voies de sens de la vie en tant que concept construit au fil du temps, en examinant les contributions qu'il a reçues de diverses théories psychologiques, y compris le récent modèle tripartite de sens de la vie. Enfin, on discute les défis auxquels sont confrontés les chercheurs et les cliniciens qui cherchent à travailler avec cette variable.

Resumen El sentido de la vida es una variable que se ha considerado fundamental para comprender el bienestar humano en las últimas décadas. Sin embargo, el estudio de este concepto es mucho más antiguo y ya ha recibido aportes de la filosofía, la psicología humanística, la logoterapia y, recientemente, de la psicología positiva y la psicometría, haciéndolo medible. Este artículo explora las trayectorias del sentido de la vida como un constructo a lo largo del tiempo, discutiendo las contribuciones que el concepto ha recibido de varias teorías psicológicas, incluido el reciente modelo tripartito de sentido de la vida. Finalmente, se discuten los desafíos que enfrentan los investigadores y clínicos que buscan trabajar con esta variable.

Abstract Meaning in life has been considered a key variable to the understanding of human well-being in the last decades. However, the study of this concept is much older and has received contributions from Philosophy, Logotherapy and, recently, Positive Psychology and psychometric studies, thus becoming measurable. This article explores the paths of meaning in life as a construct over time and discusses the contributions of some psychology theories to the concept, including the tripartite view of meaning in life. Finally, we discuss the challenges faced by researchers and clinical psychologists to work with this construct.

Relação entre sentido de vida e espiritualidade na América Latina: uma revisão integrativa da literatura / Relation between the meaning of life and spirituality in Latin America: An integrative literature review

Este estudo visa investigar a produção científica em Psicologia acerca da relação entre sentido de vida e espiritualidade, no contexto da América Latina. Realizou-se uma busca por artigos científicos publicados em periódicos nacionais e internacionais, indexados nas plataformas eletrônicas DOAJ, SciELO e Redalyc, os quais contivessem os termos "sentido de vida" e "espiritualidade" ou "religiosidade", em espanhol, inglês e português, publicados de 2007 a 2017. Foram excluídos artigos cujo texto completo não foi disponibilizado; que não apresentaram os descritores em qualquer parte do texto; e títulos duplicados. Os dados dos artigos selecionados foram registrados em planilha eletrônica, sendo submetidos a análises descritivas. Das referências recuperadas nas bases eletrônicas (N=3.009), apenas 19 artigos mostraram-se pertinentes ao estudo proposto. Os resultados apontaram que existe um baixo número de publicações correlacionando os construtos na Psicologia, indicando um campo de investigação a ser explorado, principalmente em relação à adaptação e validação de instrumentos psicométricos para mensuração do construto espiritualidade.

This study aims at investigating the scientific production in Psychology about the relation between meaning of life and spirituality in the context of Latin America. Scientific articles published in national and international journals, indexed in the electronic platforms DOAJ, SciELO and Redalyc were searched, containing the terms "meaning in life" and "spirituality" or "religiosity" in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, published from 2007 to 2017. Exclusion criteria included articles with no full text available, papers that did not present the descriptors in any part of the text or not related to each other, and duplicate titles. Data of the selected articles were recorded in an electronic spreadsheet and submitted to descriptive analyzes. Of the references retrieved from electronic databases (N = 3,009), only 19 articles were pertinent to the proposed study. Results indicated that there is a low number of publications correlating the constructs in Psychology, indicating a field of investigation to be explored, mainly in relation to the adaptation and validation of psychometric instruments for measurement of the spirituality construct.

Malestar ético y desgaste emocional en profesionales que trabajan en proyectos de atención psicosocial a víctimas de violencia política en Medellín y Antioquia / Ethical discomfort and emotional toll in professionals who work on psychosocial care projects for victims of political violence in Medellin and Antioquia (Col)

Resumen Objetivo: Este artículo se enmarca en una investigación sobre procesos de reparación e intervención psicosocial, con víctimas de violencia política y el conflicto armado en la ciudad de Medellín y otros municipios del departamento de Antioquia, ejecutados bajo la Ley 1448 de 2011. Se pretende comprender las experiencias subjetivas de malestar ético y desgaste emocional en profesionales vinculados a estos proyectos de reparación que han tenido consecuencias negativas en la población y en los profesionales. Método: Se realizó una investigación cualitativa, con enfoque fenomenológico-hermenéutico, a través de 32 entrevistas semiestructuradas y en profundidad a igual número de profesionales que laboraron en estos proyectos y manifestaron sentirse "quemados" en su trabajo con muestreo tipológico, intencional y en bola de nieve. La interpretación de resultados se realizó a partir de un análisis categorial de discurso, procediendo con un análisis de coherencia e intratextual de cada entrevista para pasar al proceso intertextual, que cruzaba el relato de todos los participantes, según categorías (Desgaste emocional/Malestar ético). Resultados: Se hizo una codificación teórica que evidenció significados compartidos y representaciones construidas, donde se identificaron dilemas éticos ante el ordenamiento tecno-burocrático, deficiencias en la calidad de la atención y acciones poco transformadoras, que generan daño, lo cual produjo malestar subjetivo y desgaste emocional en los profesionales. Conclusiones: Se hace necesario sortear las vicisitudes burocráticas de los proyectos y abrir espacios para un trabajo coherente y restaurador por parte de los profesionales, que a su vez permita el cuidado y mejores condiciones laborales.

Abstract Objective: This is a research paper related to psychosocial care projects for victims of political violence and the armed conflict, in Medellin and other municipalities from Antioquia, based on Law 1448 of 2011. In order to understand subjective experiences, which reveal ethical discomfort and emotional toll on professionals committed with support projects, which have had negative impacts not only on those professionals but also on the community. Method: A qualitative research, with a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach was conducted, 32 in depth, semi-structured interviews, with 32 professionals who worked on these support projects and who claim to be "stagnated" in their work. Typological and intentional sampling, through snowball was performed. In order to interpret results, processes such as: a categorical of speech analysis, then consistency and intra-textual analysis of each interview, going through an inter-textual process which made possible to classify stories of all participants by categories (Emotional distress/Ethical discomfort), were considered. Results: A theoretical encoding, showed shared meanings and constructed representations, where ethical dilemmas because of the techno-bureaucratic procedures, were evident; likewise, deficiencies in relation with the quality of the attention and non-significant transformative actions, which generate damage, subjective discomfort and emotional toll on professionals were observed. Conclusions: To avoid bureaucratic vicissitudes on these kind of projects and to open spaces for a coherent and restorative work, providing then care and better working conditions for these professionals, would become necessary.

Caracterización de la espiritualidad del estudiante de la Corporación Universitaria Lasallista 2017-2018 / Characterization of the spirituality of students at the Lasallian University Corporation in 2017-2018 / Sentidos das práticas discursivas na formação de educadores na chave da educação pela paz e a construção da cidadania

Resumen Introducción: este artículo es el resultado de un proyecto de investigación basado en la descripción de las características de la espiritualidad de los jóvenes de la Corporación Universitaria Lasallista realizado entre 20162018. Objetivo: interpretar las características que conforman la espiritualidad de los jóvenes en la Corporación Universitaria Lasallista. Materiales y métodos: se realizó a partir de un enfoque cualitativo. El método empleado fue el hermenéutico y la aplicación de técnicas de recolección de datos como la encuesta a 346 jóvenes de la Corporación Universitaria Lasallista, a través de un cuestionario por correo conformado con preguntas abiertas, en donde los participantes describieron su espiritualidad. Además, se realizaron cinco grupos focales con un grupo de estudiantes y docentes. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizó la técnica de triangulación. Resultados: entre los resultados más relevantes del estudio, se concluye que los jóvenes relacionan la espiritualidad con creencias en una fuerza divina en la cual, la mayoría le otorgan un sentido trascendente que le da sentido a su existencia. En cuanto a la manera como los jóvenes expresan y viven la espiritualidad se halla que gira en torno a apuestas plurales. Conclusiones: se evidencia que no hay la presencia de un tipo de espiritualidad, sino que cada joven tiene una manera diferente de constatar su búsqueda de lo sagrado en la vida y, la alimenta desde las creencias y la similitud con el sentido de vida.

Abstract Introduction: This article is the result of a research project based on the description of the characteristics of the spirituality of young people of the Lasallian University Corporation. Objective: Interpret the characteristics that form the spirituality of young people in the Lasallian University Corporation. Materials and methods: The work was carried out based on a qualitative approach. The main method applied was hermeneutics and data collection techniques such as the survey were applied to 346 young people of the Lasallian University Corporation, through a mail questionnaire made up of open-ended questions where participants described their spirituality. In addition, there were five focus groups with a group of students and teachers. The triangulation technique was used to analyze the data. Results: Among the most relevant results of the study, it is concluded that young people relate spirituality to beliefs in a divine force to which the majority grant a transcendent meaning that gives meaning to their existence. As for the way young people express and live spirituality, it is found that it revolves around plural bets. Conclusions: It is evident that there is no presence of a type of spirituality, but that each young person has a different way of confirming their search for the sacred in life and feeds it from beliefs and similarity to the meaning of life.

Resumo Introdução: esta reflexão de pesquisa emerge no marco da situação que vivia Colômbia a fim de consolidar o acordo da paz, é por isso que, se fiz necessário centrar o olhar na formação de educadores, pois estes são atores sociais, éticos e políticos que com seu trabalho pedagógico aportam à construção uma cultura de paz. Neste sentido, o objetivo esteve orientado para revelar as práticas discursivas em torno à educação para a paz e construção de cidadania que circulam e se apropriam na formação de educadores em oito faculdades de educação e dois normais superiores no departamento de Antioquia. Os materiais e métodos: a pesquisa é qualitativa com a abordagem fenomenológico e documental, as técnicas utilizadas: entrevista, grupo focal e análise documental; os instrumentos: guia de entrevista, guia de grupo focal e o ficho para a análise de documentos institucionais. A análise se realizou com a informação que emitia cada instrumento e posteriormente se triangulou em uma matriz de quatro quadrantes do sentido proposto pelos pesquisadores. Os resultados: os sentidos das práticas discursivas se plantearam desde quatro perspectivas, que são subjetiva, objetiva, intersubjetiva e interobjetiva. Se Conclui que os sentidos das práticas discursivas estão situados desde o subjetivo no próprio saber, sentir e vivência. O objetivo nas experiências, protocolos e estratégias. O intersubjetivo na inter-relação e cultura discursiva e a interobjetiva se refere à institucionalização e aplicação explícita das políticas educativas.

Teste propósito de vida: propriedades psicométricas e evidências de validade / Purpose in life test: psychometric properties and validity evidence / Purpose in life test: propiedades psicométricas y evidencias de validez

O sentido de vida é o pressuposto fundamental da Logoterapia e Análise Existencial, e o PIL-Test (Teste Propósito de Vida) tem se consolidado como um dos instrumentos mais relevantes para sua mensuração. Este estudo analisou a estrutura fatorial desse instrumento, cujas análises ainda sustentam uma controvérsia quanto ao modelo mais consistente para sua explicação. Participaram da pesquisa 200 acadêmicos de Psicologia, com média de 23,62 anos (DP = 7,071). Além do poder discriminativo, homogeneidade e consistência interna dos itens do instrumento, realizou-se uma análise fatorial exploratória a partir de matriz de correlações policóricas, com o estimador DWLS. O estudo reuniu evidências psicométricas satisfatórias e de uma estrutura de um fator para a matriz dos itens, com índices de ajuste adequados, além de corroborar sugestões prévias quanto à exclusão de certos itens para uma estrutura mais reduzida e parcimoniosa. (AU)

The meaning of life is the central assumption of Logotherapy and Existential Analysis and the PIL-Test (Purpose in Life Test) has been consolidated as one of the most relevant instruments for its assessment. This study examined the instrument's factorial structure, whose analyses still sustain a controversy on the most reliable fit to explain it. A total of 200 Psychology students participated in the study, with average age of 23.62 years (SD = 7.071). Besides investigating the discriminant power, homogeneity and internal consistency of the instrument's items, an exploratory factorial analysis was conducted based on the polychoric correlation matrix and the DWLS estimation. The study gathered satisfactory psychometric evidence, indicating a one-factor structure for the matrix of the items with acceptable fit indices, as well as corroborating previous suggestions regarding the exclusion of certain items aimed at a smaller and more parsimonious structure. (AU)

El sentido de vida es el supuesto fundamental de la Logoterapia y el Análisis Existencial y el PIL-Test (Test de Propósito Vital) viene siendo consolidado como uno de los instrumentos más relevantes para su medición. Este estudio averiguó la estructura factorial de ese instrumento, cuyas análisis aún sostienen una controversia en cuanto al modelo más consistente para su explicación. Participaron de la investigación 200 académicos de Psicología, con promedio de 23,62 años (DS = 7,071). Además del poder discriminatorio, homogeneidad y consistencia interna de los ítems del instrumento, se realizó un análisis factorial exploratorio a partir de matriz de correlaciones policóricas, con el estimador DWLS. El estudio reunió evidencias psicométricas satisfactorias y de una estructura de un factor para la matriz de los ítems, con índices de ajuste adecuados, además de corroborar sugerencias previas en cuanto a la exclusión de ciertos ítems para una estructura más reducida y parsimoniosa. (AU)

Sentidos de vida de mujeres víctimas por desaparición forzada en Granada, Antioquia / Sense of Life of Victimized Women of Forced Disappearance in Granada, Antioquia

Resumen Al analizar las acciones que emprenden las mujeres víctimas por desaparición forzada en Granada, (Antioquia) y las incidencias que dichas acciones tienen en sus sentidos de vida, nace la necesidad de indagar por las formas cómo han resignificado las mujeres víctimas el hecho por desaparición, debido a la falta de significación entre el estado y la ciudadanía. En este sentido, el proyecto investigativo cobra relevancia en el estudio fenomenológico como forma de analizar cada uno de los fenómenos representados en la desaparición forzada, el cual permita narrar y describir cada una de las afectaciones, acciones e incidencias de cada una de las mujeres víctimas de la Asociación De Víctimas De Granada (Asovida). Por tal motivo, se hace necesario el enfoque logo terapéutico como propuesta metodológica de resignificación de los sentidos de vida para encaminar cada una de las experiencias como guía para el restablecimiento de cada uno de sus derechos, en la construcción de paz.

Abstract In analyzing the actions undertaken by victimized women forced disappearance in Granada, (Antioquia) and the incidents that these actions have on their senses of life, it is necessary to investigate the ways that victimized women have given a new meaning to the fact related to disappearance, due to the lack of significance between the state and the citizenry. In this sense, the research project becomes relevant in the phenomenological study as a way of analyzing each one of the phenomena represented in the forced disappearance, which allows to narrate and to describe each one of the affections, actions and incidents of each of the victimized women of the Association of Victims of Granada (Asovida). For this reason, the logotherapeutic approach is necessary as a methodological proposal for the resignification of the senses of life in order to channel each of the experiences as a guideline for the restoration of each one of their rights, in the construction of peace.

Validación del Test Sentido de Vida en pacientes adultos con cáncer / Validation of the Purpose in Life Test (PIL) in adult patients with cancer

Introducción: El sentido de la vida es lo que da significado y ayuda a encontrar un soporte interno a la existencia. Sin embargo, el padecimiento de una enfermedad oncológica pudiera conllevar su pérdida o afectación. Diversos logoterapeutas han intentado evaluar la percepción del sentido de la vida que experimenta el hombre mediante instrumentos de evaluación estandarizados. En Cuba no existe un instrumento que evalúe esta importante categoría psicológica. Objetivo: Determinar la fiabilidad y validez del instrumento Sentido de Vida en adultos con cáncer atendidos en el Instituto Nacional de Oncología y Radiobiología de La Habana, Cuba. Material y Métodos: La investigación consistió en el desarrollo de una tecnología para validar el Test Sentido de Vida mediante el análisis de Fiabilidad (a través de la Consistencia Interna) y el análisis de la Validez de contenido y de constructo. El Test Sentido de Vida, diseñado por Crumbaugh y Maholick y validado en la población española por Noblezas, fue sometido a un proceso de adaptación lingüística y cultural. En el diseño se contó con la participación de un grupo de cinco expertos psicólogos en la revisión del componente lingüístico, desde una perspectiva del contexto en que se aplicaría el instrumento. Resultados: Se obtuvo un α de Cronbach global de 0,853; se modificaron los ítems 6, 10,12 y 16 de los 20 reactivos que componen el test y a pesar de la concepción unidimensional del instrumento, se identificaron 5 componentes correlacionados entre sí. Conclusiones: Los resultados confirmaron la validez y confiabilidad del Test Sentido de Vida en los pacientes con cáncer estudiados(AU)

Introduction: The sense of life gives meaning and helps to find an internal support to existence. However, the suffering of an oncological disease could lead to its loss or affectation. Several logotherapists have tried to assess the perception of the sense of life experienced by the human being through standardized assessment instruments. In Cuba, there is no instrument that evaluates this important psychological category. Objective: To determine the reliability and validity of the Purpose in Life Test (PIL) in adults with cancer treated in the National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology of Havana, Cuba. Material and Methods: The research consisted of the development of a technology aimed at validating the Purpose in Life Test (PIL) through the analysis of Internal Consistency Reliability and the analysis of the Content and Construct Validity. The Purpose in Life Test (PIL), which was designed by Crumbaugh and Maholick and validated in the Spanish population by the Nobility was submitted to a linguistic and cultural adaptation process. In the design, a group of five experts in Psychology participated in the review of the linguistic component from a context perspective in which the instrument would be applied. Results: Overall Cronbach's α was 0,853; items 6,10,12 and 16 of the 20 items that make up the test were modified and, despite the one-dimensional conception of the instrument, 5 correlated components were identified. Conclusions: The results confirmed the validity and reliability of the Purpose in Life Test in the patients with cancer studied(AU)

Meaning in Life and Psychological Weil-Being in Spanish Emerging Adults / Sentido de vida e bem-estar psicológico em adultos emergentes espanhóis / Sentido de vida y bienestar psicológico en adultos emergentes españoles

Abstract Experiencing meaning in life (MiL) and psychological well-being (PWB) is an important developmental task in emerging adulthood, perhaps more than in any other period in life due to its transitional character and to the nature of its features, in Western societies. This study analyzes the relationship between MiL and PWB, as well as the differences in PWB according to the level of MiL (lack of meaning, indefinite meaning, and presence of meaning), in a sample of 333 Spanish emerging adults (224 women, 109 men), age ranged from 17 to 26 years, M = 21.06, SD = 2.23. Both Spanish versions of the Purpose-In-Life Test and the Ryff's Scales of Psychological Well-Being were used. The Spearman's coefficient of correlation showed a positive, significant relationship between MiL and PWB (global and dimensions). The Kruskal-Wallis test showed significant differences in PWB between lack of meaning, indefinite meaning, and presence of meaning groups, except in Autonomy, in which only the difference between the presence of meaning group and the indefinite meaning group was significant. MiL is associated to the cognitive, emotional, and motivational aspects that directly point to PWB: positive self-worth and self-acceptance, perception and experience of freedom, responsibility and self-determination, positive view of both life as a whole and future, purpose and commitment of significant existential goals, self-trascendence and opening up to the others, integrative but not resigned coping of the adversity, life satisfaction, and self-realization.

Resumo Sentir que a vida tem sentido e experimentar bem-estar psicológico são uma importante tarefa evolutiva na idade adulta emergente, talvez mais que em qualquer outra etapa evolutiva, devido a seu caráter transicional e a suas características nas sociedades ocidentais. Neste estudo, analisam-se as relações entre sentido de vida e bem-estar psicológico, bem como as diferenças em bem-estar psicológico em função do nível de sentido de vida (vazio existencial, indefinição de sentido e experiência de sentido) numa amostra de 333 adultos emergentes espanhóis (224 mulheres e 109 homens) com idade entre 17 e 26 anos (M=21.06, DT=2.23). Como instrumentos, foram utilizadas versões espanholas do teste Purpose-In-Life e das Escalas de Bem-estar Psicológico de Ryff. Como resultado, o coeficiente de correlação de Spearman mostrou uma relação positiva e significativa entre sentido de vida e bem-estar psicológico (global e dimensões), enquanto o teste de Kruskal-Wallis mostrou diferenças significativas em bem-estar psicológico entre os grupos de vazio existencial, indefinição de sentido e experiência de sentido, exceto na dimensão de Autonomia, na qual somente foi significativa a diferença entre experiência de sentido e indefinição de sentido. O sentido de vida se relacionou com os aspectos cognitivos, emocionais e motivacionais que apontam diretamente ao bem-estar subjetivo, isto é: autovalorização positiva e autoaceitação, percepção e experiência de liberdade, responsabilidade e autodeterminação, visão positiva da vida como um todo e do futuro, propósito e compromisso com metas existenciais importantes, autotranscedência e abertura aos demais, enfrentamento integrador, mas não resignado, da adversidade, satisfação vital e autorrealização.

Resumen Sentir que la vida tiene sentido y experimentar bienestar psicológico son una importante tarea evolutiva en la adultez emergente, quizá más que en cualquier otra etapa evolutiva, debido a su carácter transicional y a sus características en las sociedades occidentales. En este estudio se analizan las relaciones entre sentido de la vida y bienestar psicológico, así como las diferencias en bienestar psicológico en función del nivel de sentido de vida (vacío existencial, indefinición de sentido y experiencia de sentido) en una muestra de 333 adultos emergentes españoles (224 mujeres y 109 hombres) con edades entre 17 y 26 años, M = 21.06, DT = 2.23. Como instrumentos, se utilizaron versiones españolas del test Purpose-In-Life y de las Escalas de Bienestar Psicológico de Ryff. Como resultado, el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman mostró una relación positiva y significativa entre sentido de vida y bienestar psicológico (global y dimensiones), mientras que el test de Kruskal-Wallis mostró diferencias significativas en bienestar psicológico entre los grupos de vacío existencial, indefinición de sentido y experiencia de sentido, excepto en la dimensión de Autonomía, en la cual solo fue significativa la diferencia entre experiencia de sentido e indefinición de sentido. El sentido de vida se relacionó con los aspectos cognitivos, emocionales y motivacionales que apuntan directamente al bienestar subjetivo, es decir: autovaloración positiva y autoaceptación, percepción y experiencia de libertad, responsabilidad y autodeterminación, visión positiva de la vida como un todo y del futuro, propósito y compromiso con metas existenciales importantes, autotrascendencia y apertura a los demás, afrontamiento integrativo pero no resignado de la adversidad, y satisfacción vital y autorrealización.

A Construção do ser mulher na agricultura familiar: uma perspectiva lo goterapêutica / The construction of being a woman in family farming: a logotherapeutic perspective / La construcción del ser mujer en la agricultura familiar: una perspectiva logoterapéutica

Este trabalho buscou investigar a relação do "ser mulher" no contexto da agricultura familiar a partir de uma perspectiva logoterapêutica desenvolvida pelo austríaco Viktor Emil Frankl. Por meio de uma revisão narrativa de caráter qualitativo, buscou-se definir o perfil do Ser Mulher na agricultura familiar com o descritor "mulheres rurais" nas bases de dados Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) e Biblioteca Digital de Teses e Dissertações (BDTD). Foram utilizados materiais do período de publicação do ano de 2011 a 2016. Os materiais foram analisados por meio de análise de conteúdo resultando em duas categorias. Em "Ser mulher: uma construção autoral ou um destino a cumprir", identifica-se o ser mulher vinculado aos papeis de mãe, esposa e cuidadora, fruto de uma construção social. Por sua vez, "Mulheres agricultoras: sobre trabalho e parentalidade" trata das formas de trabalho não valorizadas vinculadas ao ser mãe e esposa. A partir do referencial da Logoterapia pode-se entender como constroem sentidos de vida e as alternativas de uma liberdade de sentido para uma escolha autêntica que promova saúde. A partir dessa compreensão, esperou-se possibilitar ao profissional da saúde reflexões que vislumbrem alternativas de intervenções logoterapêuticas para promoção de saúde e de existências mais plenas de sentido.

This work investigated how "being a woman" is cinstructed in the context of family farming from a logotherapeutic perspective developed by the austrian Viktor Emil Frankl. Through a qualitative narrative review, it was sought to define the profile of "being a woman" in family farming with the descriptor "rural women" in the databases Virtual Health Library (BVS) andBiblioteca Digital de Teses e Dissertações (BDTD). Materials published from 2011 to 2016 were used and analyzed by content analysis resulting in two categories. "Being a woman: an authorial construction or a destiny to fulfill" identifies the construction of being a woman tied to the roles of mother, wife and caregiver, resulted from a social construction. In turn, "Women farmers: work and parenting" approaches undervalued types of work related to being a mother and wife. From the referencial of Logoterapy it can be understood how they find meanings of life and the alternatives of a freedom of meaning for an authentic choice that promotes health. From this understanding, we hope to promote reflections to health professionals to envisage alternative logotherapeutic interventions to promote health and more meaningful lives.

Este trabajo busca investigar la relación del "ser mujer" en el contexto de la agricultura familiar a partir de una perspectiva logoterapéutica, desarrollada por el austríaco Viktor Emil Frankl. Por medio de una revisión narrativa de carácter cualitativo, se buscó definir el perfil del Ser Mujer en la agricultura familiar, con la expresión "mujeres rurales" en las bases de datos Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) y la Biblioteca Digital de Teses e Dissertações (BDTD). Fueron utilizados materiales con publicación en el periodo de 2011 a 2016. Los mismos fueron analizados por medio de su contenido, resultando en dos categorías. En "Ser mujer: una construcción autoral o un destino a cumplir" se identifica el ser mujer vinculado a los papeles de madre, esposa y cuidadora, fruto de una construcción social. Por otro lado, "Mujeres agricultoras: sobre trabajo y la crianza de los hijos" trata de las formas de trabajo no valorizadas vinculadas al ser madre y esposa. A partir del paradigma de la Logoterapia se puede entender como se construyen sentidos de vida y las alternativas de una libertad de sentido para una elección auténtica que promueva salud. A partir de esta comprensión, se espera posibilitar que los profesionales de la salud reflexionen y vislumbren alternativas de intervenciones logoterapéuticas para promoción de salud y de existencias más llenas de sentido

Fontes de sentido de vida para idosas longevas / Sources of meaning for the elderly / Fuentes de sentido de la vida para las personas de edad avanzada

No Brasil, o número de idosos longevos está crescendo de forma significativa. Compreender as fontes de sentido de vida para essa população pode auxiliar nas reflexões da comunidade acadêmica para melhor atendê-la. Oito idosas longevas foram entrevistadas e, através da perspectiva de análise fenomenológica, buscou-se compreender quais as fontes de sentido das suas vidas. A família e a fé aparecem como aspectos centrais, ratificando-se o que existe na literatura.

In Brazil, the number of aged people is growing significantly. Understanding the sources of meaning of life for this population can help reflections of the academic community to better serve it. Eight elderly women were interviewed and, through the perspective of phenomenological analysis, they sought to understand the sources of meaning in their lives. Family and faith appear as central aspects, confirming what exists in literature.

En Brasil, el número de ancianos longevos está creciendo de forma significativa. Comprender las fuentes de sentido de vida para esa población puede auxiliar en las reflexiones de la comunidad académica para mejor atenderla. Ocho ancianas longevas fueron entrevistadas y, a través de la perspectiva de análisis fenomenológico, se buscó comprender cuáles las fuentes de sentido de sus vidas. La familia y la fe aparecen como aspectos centrales, ratificando lo que existe en la literatura.

Psicografía: una estrategia de estudio de los sentidos personales del ser humano

En este artículo se plantean las líneas generales de la psicografía como diseño de investigación en el ámbito de la ciencia psicológica. Es una estrategia metodológica de investigación que permite describir la vida de la persona, comprender su sentido de vida. Específicamente, describe la forma en que el ser humano expresa, recrea, afirma y realiza su sentido de vida, el modo en que la organización, la dinámica y el sentido de desarrollo de su personalidad mediatiza sus desplazamientos y creaciones en la comunidad donde existe.

In this article the general lines of psychography are presented as research design in the field of psychological science. It is a methodological research strategy that allows describing the life of the person, understanding their sense of life. Specifically, it describes the way in which the human being expresses, recreates, affirms and realizes his sense of life, the way in which the organization, the dynamics and the sense of development of his personality mediate his displacements and creations in the community where he exists.

Neste artigo, as linhas gerais da psicografia são apresentadas como projeto de pesquisa no campo da ciência psicológica. É uma estratégia de pesquisa metodológica que permite descrever a vida da pessoa, compreendendo seu sentido de vida. Especificamente, descreve a maneira pela qual o ser humano expressa, recria, afirma e realiza seu sentido de vida, a maneira pela qual a organização, a dinâmica e o sentido de desenvolvimento de sua personalidade mediam seus deslocamentos e criações na comunidade onde ele existe.

El sentido de vida de las madres de niños prematuros internados en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales (UCIN) / The meaning of life of the mothers of premature babies who are hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

La prematuridad es una problemática que se encuentra en aumento a nivel mundial. En Argentina 8 de cada 100 bebés nacen antes de tiempo, de ahí la importancia de sensibilizar a la población sobre este tema. Para la logoterapia la motivación básica y propia del ser humano es su orientación fundamental hacia el sentido, es decir, el encontrar y descubrir un porqué y para qué. Tener en cuenta la dimensión existencial de la persona es una forma de acercarnos al problema. Por tal motivo el objetivo del trabajo que se informa fue relacionar el sentido de vida develado por las madres de niños que se encuentran internados en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales (UCIN) debido a su nacimiento prematuro con dos factores; por un lado con la capacidad que ellas mismas refieren para informarse adecuadamente acerca de la situación de su hijo y por el otro, con su vinculación con situaciones límite vividas durante el embarazo. Se realizó un estudio experimental con 30 madres de niños prematuros que han pasado por una internación en UCIN en tres instituciones hospitalarias. Se construyó un instrumento con formato de entrevista semidirigida llamado Vivencia de Madres de Niños Nacidos Prematuramente. Los resultados demuestran que las madres con mayor capacidad para solicitar información sobre la situación de sus hijos son las que pudieron dar respuestas acerca de la pregunta sobre el sentido que esta situación les permitía descubrir. En un porcentaje menor pudieron relacionarse las respuestas con situaciones límites vividas con anterioridad.

Prematurity is a problem which is getting bigger worldwide. In eight out of one hundred babies are born before their due time, that is why it is necessary to make the population conscious of this issue. In relation to this figure it is necessary to work on raising public awareness about prematurity and integrate thus subject to the public health agenda. For Logotherapy the basic human motivation is its fundamental orientation meaning the same psychological school posits the existence of the tragic triad. Others have called extreme situations; these are death, guilt and suffering. These situations which by their nature are permanent, you cannot work to change them, they are imposed situations that leave no alternative but to live them, to suffer, to experience, even if you want to run. They are fighting ability, the potential and the true self. It is in these extreme situations that person forgets the surface world and struggle for existence. None of them can be avoided by humans. Taking into account the existential sphere of the person is a way of approaching the problem, therefore, the aim of this project is to relate the meaning of life shown by the mothers of those children who are hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) owing to their premature birth, with two factors. On the one hand, with the capability they themselves refer to of getting information properly about their child‘s situation and, on the other hand, with their connection with extreme situations experienced during their pregnancy. Our search is based on an experimental study of 30 premature babies’ mothers that have undergone a hospitalization in the NICU. Knowing this dimension of the person, is a contribution to the awareness of health personnel working with families that this type of situation is passing , it is also a starting point for a possible psychological treatment and a tool to strengthen the link between mother and infant. A tool was built, in the shape of a semi - addressed interview call ed premature babies mothers’ personal experiences with the aim of approaching the study properly. This model is based on five areas, beginning with formal details, then it enquires about the pregnancy, the labor, the hospitalization and the conclusions. It includes questions related to the meaning of life displayed in the hospitalization situation, the capability the person has to get informed properly about her baby’s situation, the relationship with doctors and nurses, contradictory feelings, among other items. Results show that the mothers with greater capability to ask for information about their children’s situation are the ones who could answer about the meaning this experience give them. The highest percentage of coincidence belongs to the group of moderate premature babies, decreasing progressively to the extreme premature ones. In a lower percentage we could relate the answers of meaning with extreme situations lived before. In some cases meaning, information and previous extreme situations are co-related. There are five areas in the mothers’ answers according to the meaning they get from the situation they lived. They are: learning, valuation, personal growth and acceptance of the situation they lived, beliefs and religion and general responses. The meaning of life allows us to open the doors for future studies in which we may be able to elaborate strategies of work with mothers and their children hospitalized in the NICU, considering the existential aspect of the person, above all supporting them in extreme situations and in the handling of information as a way of facing them.