Meaning-making: a underestimated resource for health? A discussion of the value of meaning-making in the conservation and restoration of health and well-being

• Main Authors: Birthe Loa Knizek, Sissel Alsaker, Julia Hagen, Gørill Haugan, Olga Lehmann, Marianne Nilsen, Randi Reidunsdatter, Wigdis Sæther
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of Bologna 2021-03-01
• Series: Encyclopaideia
• Subjects: meaning; meaning-making; health; spiritual practices; everyday activities
• Online Access: https://encp.unibo.it/article/view/11986

This article discusses the function, development and maintenance of meaning and the importance of meaning-making from different perspectives, as it is based on a collaboration between professionals from health science and psychology. The aim is to discuss how meaning-making processes can be employed in the health context to enhance individuals’ well-being. Starting point is a description of the common basis of the understanding of meaning-making. Afterwards brief examples from the different professional areas will show how meaning-making can improve health care practice. We will focus on the processual nature of meaning-making, its existential layers, as well as the ways in which meaning-making is at play in everyday activities and limit situations, such as illness or suicidality.