THE SUFFERING GENERATED BY THE UNSPOKEN IN THE EXPERIENCE OF GRIEF: AN UNDERSTANDING FROM THE PERSON-CENTERED APPROACH

Abstract

The present study analyzed the psychological suffering associated with emotional silencing during the grieving process, based on the Person-Centered Approach (PCA). It was considered that family and social contexts that invalidate or inhibit emotional expression hinder the elaboration of loss, favoring states of experiential incongruence. In such scenarios, the absence of emotional validation compromises the symbolization of the experience and prevents the integration of loss into the individual’s subjective trajectory.This is a qualitative and exploratory study developed through a narrative literature review. Data collection was carried out in the SciELO, Google Scholar, and PubMed databases using the descriptors “grief” and “Person-Centered Approach.” Recent publications and relevant classical authors were included to support the theoretical framework. The analysis articulated discussions on emotional silencing, validation of experience, experiential incongruence, and the symbolization of loss.The results indicated that emotional silencing intensifies psychological suffering by limiting the authentic expression of pain and hindering the symbolic elaboration of grief. In contrast, relationships characterized by empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence favored emotional integration and the resignification of loss. It was concluded that environments based on listening and emotional validation are fundamental for the healthy elaboration of grief.