RESUMO
Background: Empathy is foundational in our intersubjective interactions, connecting with others across bodily, emotional, and cognitive dimensions. Previous evidence suggests that observing individuals in painful situations elicits whole bodily responses, unveiling the interdependence of the body and empathy. Although the role of the body has been extensively described, the temporal structure of bodily responses and its association with the comprehension of subjective experiences remain unclear. Objective: Building upon the enactive approach, our study introduces and examines "bodyssence," a neologism formed from "body" and "essence." Our primary goal is to analyze the temporal dynamics, physiological, and phenomenological elements in synchrony with the experiences of sportspersons suffering physical accidents. Methods: Using the empirical 5E approach, a refinement of Varela's neurophenomenological program, we integrated both objective third-person measurements (postural sway, electrodermal response, and heart rate) and first-person descriptions (phenomenological data). Thirty-five participants watched videos of sportspersons experiencing physical accidents during extreme sports practice, as well as neutral videos, while standing on a force platform and wearing electrodermal and heart electrodes. Subsequently, micro-phenomenological interviews were conducted. Results: Bodyssence is composed of three distinct temporal dynamics. Forefeel marks the commencement phase, encapsulating the body's pre-reflective consciousness as participants anticipate impending physical accidents involving extreme sportspersons, manifested through minimal postural movement and high heart rate. Fullfeel, capturing the zenith of empathetic engagement, is defined by profound negative emotions, and significant bodily and kinesthetic sensations, with this stage notably featuring an increase in postural movement alongside a reduction in heart rate. In the Reliefeel phase, participants report a decrease in emotional intensity, feeling a sense of relief, as their postural control starts to reach a state of equilibrium, and heart rate remaining low. Throughout these phases, the level of electrodermal activity consistently remains high. Conclusion: This study through an enactive approach elucidates the temporal attunement of bodily experience to the pain experienced by others. The integration of both first and third-person perspectives through an empirical 5E approach reveals the intricate nature of bodyssence, offering an innovative approach to understanding the dynamic nature of empathy.
RESUMO
An effective way to address risk factors for non-communicable chronic diseases (NCD) and reduce healthcare costs is by using sound health-related advice (HRA) to promote healthy lifestyle habits. In Argentina, however, few studies have examined the context in which HRA is communicated and undertaken by patients at the primary care level. In this study, we assessed the reception of HRA using a mixed-method approach in a central area of Argentina. A total of 1,044 participants from the community were contacted and sociodemographic characteristics, health-related lifestyle factors, and medical history were collected. A calendar with health messages was provided to participants and its usage was assessed after 1 year. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 34 patients attending a local primary healthcare center. The results show that HRA was given more frequently to individuals with higher mean age, lower educational level, and to females. Participants with a chronic health condition are at a higher chance of receiving advice to reduce salt intake and maintain a healthy weight. Dietary advice is offered along with other lifestyle recommendations. The use of alcohol and tobacco is usually addressed together. HRA was primarily received in the context of an NCD diagnosis and advice was directed, especially, to risky behaviors. The HRA to increase the intake of fruits and vegetables was mentioned less frequently. Patients at the healthcare center greatly appreciated receiving an HRA, especially when given in a tailored, written, and detailed form, and acknowledged its importance to prevent or control a chronic health condition as part of the medical treatment but showed concern regarding the ability to fully incorporate the advice. Lifestyle recommendations are highly appreciated by patients but are still underutilized since they are offered mostly in the context of illness. The health calendar was shown to be useful to complement health intervention programs at the community level. The findings of our study underscore the acknowledged value of HRA by participants to tackle the risk factors of chronic diseases. If properly used HRA constitutes a simple and highly valued tool to help address patient's needs to prevent and control NCD in Argentina.