‘Wat ik nog zeggen wilde...’ Een onderzoek naar de betekenis van teksten voor cliënten en het gebruik van intentieboeken in Academische ziekenhuizen.

Abstract

Until recently books of intention, which can be found in meditation centers in hospitals, have not been the subject of research yet. This thesis will deal with these books, however, by focussing on two main discussions. On the one hand, the author investigates the way in which books of intention could be used to support and enhance the work of spiritual counsellors; (to what extent) can books of intention inform spiritual counsellors about what people need? On the other hand, careful intention is being paid to the (possible) meaning of the specific texts that can be found in these books. With the aid of linguistic theories and hermeneutics, the author examines these texts by focussing on intertextuality. By doing so, a picture is drawn of the various types of texts – both religious and profane – that seem to be important to people (in the process of dealing with difficult and sorrowful times). This information can prove helpful for a spiritual counsellor in preparing and performing liturgical activities. Some of the most striking results of this investigation are that people to an increasing degree tend to write texts through which they commemorate a deceased, in which they express their emotions, and/or in which they ask for help in a period preceding an operation. Thus, the meditation center seems to have the function of a place of commemoration, but also serves as a place where people are able to vent their feelings (catharsis) respectively. Especially the presence of requests for help during a surgery, which can be found in the books of intention, raise the important question of what the role of the spiritual caretaker could be before the surgery will take place. A further conclusion arising from this research is that many texts are written in the form of a prayer. Moreover, these prayers are decreasingly addressing a personal transcendence and many show the use of a construction of a formulaic prayer. Thus, intertextuality proves to be a frequently occurring phenomenon in books of intention. A qualitative analysis of these intertextual connections demonstrates that people more often refer to Biblical (song)books than they do to profane texts. If people use profane texts, they are mainly inspired by poems, songs or proverbs. Finally, this thesis discusses some exemplifying cases, dealt with from different points of view. The aim of these cases is to invite readers to take some time for general reflection on the role and importance of books of intention and their possible influence on and contribution to the work of a spiritual counsellor. The author aims at stimulating spiritual counsellors to regard books of intention as useful and reliable colleagues.