Abstract
This article explores the potential role of hermeneutics, a classical humanistic discipline focused on interpretation, in the context of healthcare. By comparing Antonovsky’s SOC theory with Gadamer’s philosophical hermeneutics, this work implicitly argues for a deeper integration of hermeneutic principles into patient care.
On the one hand, Antonovsky’s theory emphasises the importance of comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness in coping with stress and maintaining health. He also demonstrates that individuals who interpret their life circumstances meaningfully are better equipped to handle stress, leading to improved health outcomes. Gadamer’s hermeneutics, on the other hand, centres on the concept of ‘understanding’. In this paper, I focused on Gadamer’s concept of the ‘anticipation of completeness’ as a fundamental human process guided by an expectation of coherence.
The comparison highlights that both theories recognise the centrality of interpretation in shaping an individual’s SOC. Gadamer’s philosophical approach provides a broader existential framework, suggesting that the ability to construct meaning is not only an individual skill but also a universal human condition. In comparison, Antonovsky grounds his theory in empirical research, attributing interpretive capabilities to individuals making sense of their medical-related experiences.
The article concludes by reiterating that the integration of hermeneutic approaches into healthcare practices could enhance patient-centred care—an idea that makes particular sense in the era of personalised medicine. A deeper understanding of patients’ experiences and perspectives, which extends beyond technical knowledge, can lead to better communication between healthcare professionals and patients. This is especially relevant given the diverse social backgrounds, beliefs and life experiences patients bring into clinical settings. Therefore, training healthcare professionals in hermeneutic theory could strengthen their ability to foster patients’ SOC, which in turn can positively impact their health outcomes.
On the one hand, Antonovsky’s theory emphasises the importance of comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness in coping with stress and maintaining health. He also demonstrates that individuals who interpret their life circumstances meaningfully are better equipped to handle stress, leading to improved health outcomes. Gadamer’s hermeneutics, on the other hand, centres on the concept of ‘understanding’. In this paper, I focused on Gadamer’s concept of the ‘anticipation of completeness’ as a fundamental human process guided by an expectation of coherence.
The comparison highlights that both theories recognise the centrality of interpretation in shaping an individual’s SOC. Gadamer’s philosophical approach provides a broader existential framework, suggesting that the ability to construct meaning is not only an individual skill but also a universal human condition. In comparison, Antonovsky grounds his theory in empirical research, attributing interpretive capabilities to individuals making sense of their medical-related experiences.
The article concludes by reiterating that the integration of hermeneutic approaches into healthcare practices could enhance patient-centred care—an idea that makes particular sense in the era of personalised medicine. A deeper understanding of patients’ experiences and perspectives, which extends beyond technical knowledge, can lead to better communication between healthcare professionals and patients. This is especially relevant given the diverse social backgrounds, beliefs and life experiences patients bring into clinical settings. Therefore, training healthcare professionals in hermeneutic theory could strengthen their ability to foster patients’ SOC, which in turn can positively impact their health outcomes.
Originalsprog | Engelsk |
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Titel | Hermeneutics from a health perspective : A comparative analysis of Gadamer's and Antonovsky's theories |
Status | Afsendt - nov. 2024 |