Investigating the Experience of users in a Coexistence Community Center from the perspective of humanistic psychology and phenomenology

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a qualitative research of phenomenological nature that aimed to understand the experience of people who attend a Coexistence Community Center (CECO). Individual dialogical encounters were held with seven adult users of both sexes. After each meeting, the researcher wrote a Comprehensive Narrative, based on his own impressions, about the participant's experience. A Narrative Synthesis was then constructed containing the significant elements of the experience of all participants in relation to the experiences in the CECO. The phenomenologically revealed elements, that constituted the results of the research, can be expressed as follows: (1) interpersonal relations, mediated by professionals in the context of the CECO, are guided by respect, understanding and mutual interest; (2) from the daily coexistence with other people and from participation in collective activities, users can creatively develop their skills and interests; and (3) when they feel welcomed and respected as people, users also develop a positive affective relationship with the service. In conclusion, CECO is a space conducive to the development of individual and collective potentialities and to the valorization of constructive social relations that facilitate and preserve the inherent tendency of people for growth, autonomy and psychological maturation. Palavras-chave : Coexistence Community Center; Phenomenological Psychology; Narratives; Psychological Attention in Institutions; Public Health.