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Publication
O significado de vida na população idosa: Um estudo qualitativo
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Com o envelhecimento, manter a perceção da vida com significado pode ser desafiante. Este estudo
explora como a população idosa atribui significado à sua vida, quais os fatores que contribuem
para uma vida mais significativa e quais contribuem para uma perceção de vida com menos
significado. Foram realizadas entrevistas a trinta idosos com idades entre os 80 e os 97 anos de
idade, depois analisadas de acordo com o método de análise temática (abordagem bottom-up).
Identificaram-se seis temas e trinta e cinco subtemas. Os resultados revelaram que as mágoas não
resolvidas e sonhos não cumpridos têm impacto negativo no significado de vida dos idosos. O luto
é o evento mais marcante que os idosos destacam nas suas vidas, conduzindo a sentimentos de
solidão e desamparo. A adaptação surgiu no contexto de luto, sendo mais fácil quando os
relacionamentos conjugais demonstravam falta de comunicação e conflitos. A infância assume
proporções significativas na avaliação do significado de vida, sendo os conflitos familiares e
obrigação em trabalhar precocemente dois fatores com influência negativa nesta fase de vida. A
fonte de significado mais frequentemente reportada é a família, seguida do orgulho, religião e
saúde. Autonomia e independência surgem também como fontes muito valorizadas, bem como nos
receios do futuro. Por fim, o cumprimento das etapas de vida tradicionais mostrou ter uma
importância central nas suas vidas. Este estudo contribui para o conhecimento sobre o que torna a
vida de um idoso significativa e o que impacta negativamente a avaliação do significado.
ABSTRACT: With aging, maintaining one’s perception of a life with meaning can be challenging. This study aimed to explore how elderly populations give meaning to their lives, which factors contribute to a more significant life, and which contribute to a perception of life with less meaning. Interviews were conducted with thirty elderly participants, aged between 80 and 97 years, which were then analyzed according to the thematic analysis method (bottom-up approach). Six themes and thirtyfive subthemes were identified. Results showed that unresolved sorrow and unfulfilled dreams carry a negative impact in the meaning of life perceived by elderly. Bereavement is the most striking event highlighted in their lives, leading to feelings of loneliness and helplessness. Adaptation comes in the context of bereavement, being easier when conjugal relationships had a lack of communication and conflicts. Childhood assumes significant proportions in the meaning of life, with family conflicts and the obligation of premature working being two of the factors with a negative influence at this stage of life. The source of meaning that is more frequently reported is family, followed by pride, religion and health. Autonomy and independence also are two sources of meaning highly valued at this stage of life, as well as in those connected with fears of the future. Lastly, the fulfillment of traditional life stages has central importance in their lives. This study will be able to contribute to the knowledge about what makes an older person’s life significant and what will negatively impact their assessment of this meaning.
ABSTRACT: With aging, maintaining one’s perception of a life with meaning can be challenging. This study aimed to explore how elderly populations give meaning to their lives, which factors contribute to a more significant life, and which contribute to a perception of life with less meaning. Interviews were conducted with thirty elderly participants, aged between 80 and 97 years, which were then analyzed according to the thematic analysis method (bottom-up approach). Six themes and thirtyfive subthemes were identified. Results showed that unresolved sorrow and unfulfilled dreams carry a negative impact in the meaning of life perceived by elderly. Bereavement is the most striking event highlighted in their lives, leading to feelings of loneliness and helplessness. Adaptation comes in the context of bereavement, being easier when conjugal relationships had a lack of communication and conflicts. Childhood assumes significant proportions in the meaning of life, with family conflicts and the obligation of premature working being two of the factors with a negative influence at this stage of life. The source of meaning that is more frequently reported is family, followed by pride, religion and health. Autonomy and independence also are two sources of meaning highly valued at this stage of life, as well as in those connected with fears of the future. Lastly, the fulfillment of traditional life stages has central importance in their lives. This study will be able to contribute to the knowledge about what makes an older person’s life significant and what will negatively impact their assessment of this meaning.
Description
Dissertação de Mestrado
apresentada no ISPA – Instituto Universitário
para obtenção de grau de Mestre na especialidade
de Psicologia da Saúde.
Keywords
Significado de vida Idosos Fontes de significado Meaning of life Elderly Sources of meaning