Existential perspectives in research and practice (EXIST)

We investigate phenomena throughout the life course such as dignity, suffering, vulnerability, shame, guilt, hope, love, belonging, meaning, the sacred, death, space and spaciousness, nature, aesthetics, art, etc. We also investigate how people experience, interpret and practice existential themes through beliefs, culture, values ​​and traditions. EXIST is concerned with how such fundamental phenomena can be expressed in various contexts where patients/users and their relatives receive care and social assistance. Furthermore, we pay attention to the implications this has for professional practice and education for professional practice. The research group works both with basic thinking based on theory and with empirical materials from various contexts. Interdisciplinarity is an integrated part of working with existential dimensions, and as of today the following academic traditions are represented among the group's members: philosophy, history of ideas, literary studies, nursing, mental health work, psychology of religion, psychiatry, psychology, social work, palliative care, psychomotor physiotherapy, practical theology, pastoral care. EXIST is open to all employees and students at VID who have research interests within the theme. We also welcome students and employees from other national and international institutions who have interests within the area.