Teu sofrimento tem sentido?: a espiritualidade e o sentido da vida para pacientes com fibromialgia

Abstract

Human beings have always sought to give meaning to their lives in order to understand their existence. However, the frustration of this need is a symptom of our time. Suffering without meaning constitutes the existential void experienced by many. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an intervention on the perception of the meaning of suffering and the experience of physical pain in women with fibromyalgia. Specifically, it sought to measure changes in the perception of the meaning of suffering after the intervention; assess changes in the intensity and experience of physical pain; compare the outcomes — perception of the meaning of suffering and physical pain — between the experimental group and the control group; and explore, through subjective experience, the influence of the intervention on coping with suffering and pain. Therefore, a qualitative-quantitative, or mixed-methods, methodological approach was adopted, since the investigated phenomenon — the experience of patients with fibromyalgia in the light of spirituality and Logotherapy — requires both statistical understanding and interpretative, subjective analysis. The interest in the theme “Spirituality, Logotherapy, and Fibromyalgia” is justified by the importance of investing in interventions that promote resilience, as these can develop individuals’ competencies to cope with adverse events and positively transform negative perceptions about themselves, others, and the world — factors that can intensify suffering and hinder the realization of meaning and values. Furthermore, it highlights the need for professional praxis focused on promoting health from a logotherapeutic perspective. From this viewpoint, it becomes possible to confront the logos, which implies taking a stand toward one’s pain and, above all, positioning oneself beyond it. The research involved eight women registered at the Center for Rehabilitation and Pain Treatment (CENDOR), all diagnosed with fibromyalgia. The participants were divided into two groups: four in the experimental group and four in the control group. Those with greater availability were assigned to the experimental group, while those able to attend only the

first and last sessions comprised the control group. Both groups completed a pre-test and a post- test; however, only the experimental group participated in the intervention. The intervention

took place at the CENDOR clinic on Wednesdays in February and March 2025, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. After completing the intervention (pre-test + sessions), the control group was recalled to complete the post-test, allowing for comparison of improvement indicators between the groups and assessment of whether changes were due to the intervention or testing alone. The results showed that spirituality and the sense of life functioned as existential resources in coping with fibromyalgia, promoting the re-signification of suffering and the strengthening of hope. The discussion revealed that, in the light of Logotherapy, inner freedom and self-transcendence were fundamental for reconstructing the sense and identity of the participants. This research sought to contribute to a better understanding of the influence of meaning in life among patients with fibromyalgia, as well as to provide relief from existential and physical pain for individuals diagnosed with the condition.