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The concept of ambiguous loss: couples therapy in the context of life-threatening illness
 
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Uniwersytet Jagielloński Collegium Medicum w Krakowie, Wydział Lekarski, Katedra Psychiatrii, Klinika Psychiatrii i Psychoterapii Dzieci i Młodzieży, Pracownia Psychologii i Psychoterapii Systemowej
 
2
Uniwersytet Jagielloński Collegium Medicum w Krakowie, Wydział Lekarski, Katedra Psychiatrii, Zakład Terapii Rodzin i Psychosomatyki
 
 
Submission date: 2024-09-25
 
 
Final revision date: 2024-10-23
 
 
Acceptance date: 2024-10-23
 
 
Publication date: 2024-12-20
 
 
Corresponding author
Karolina Dejko-Wańczyk   

Zakład Terapii Rodzin i Psychosomatyki, Katedra Psychiatrii, Wydział Lekarski Collegium Medicum Uniwersytet Jagielloński
 
 
Psychoter 2024;210(3):5-16
 
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ABSTRACT
The aim of this paper is to discuss the phenomenon of anticipated loss and to propose therapeutic interventions with couples dealing with a chronic or life-threatening illness of one partner. In the f irst part of the article, we introduce the anthropological concept of liminal states — transitional situations associated with changes in life status. This concept serves as a foundation for examining the psychological experience of couples who face the diagnosis of a serious illness in one of the partners. We then present Pauline Boss’s concept of ambiguous loss, a theory developed by the American researcher and family therapist. Our focus is on the manifestation of this phenomenon in the relational and emotional dynamics of intimate partnerships. In the second part of the paper, we describe the phenomenon of anticipated loss, a specific type of ambiguous loss that highlights the complex emotional and relational processes that emerge in the period leading up to the anticipated death of a partner. The theoretical material is complemented by an excerpt from a couples therapy session, illustrating the distinct emotional phenomena that arise as one partner anticipates the impending loss of the other. Furthermore, the clinical examples provided illuminate the specific nature of therapeutic work in the context of anticipated loss. The conclusion offers guidelines for therapeutic work with couples facing chronic or life-threatening illness in one partner.
eISSN:2391-5862
ISSN:0239-4170
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