A importância de receber amor (de si e dos outros) no processo de superação de término de relacionamento

Abstract

This study aimed to understand whether love has the potential to heal individuals undergoing the grieving process after the end of a relationship. To achieve this, various definitions of love were considered. For instance, phenomenology views love as a fundamental openness to the other, manifesting an ontological circularity of being-in-the-world. bell hooks defines love as a combination of several elements: care, recognition, affection, commitment, respect, trust, honesty, and open communication. Additionally, love and passion cause neurological changes in our bodies, because being in love activates the dopaminergic reward system in our brains. The end of a relationship, involving the loss of emotional and sexual bonds, can therefore be very painful. This study explored whether someone going through the grieving process after a breakup could benefit from the healing potential of love, supported by a network of support, aiding in personal reintegration. The grieving process typically involves stages of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. The methodology of this study was mixed: it included a literature review and qualitative research (semi- structured interviews). The findings suggest that receiving love, whether from oneself or others, has significant and healing effects in our lives