Transformations of subjectivity arising from a psychosocial integration of “Emotional godparents” and institutionalized senior citizens

Abstract

This article identifies the transformation of subjectivity of senior citizens institutionalized in the nursing home in Palmira as regards the implementation of a psychosocial intervention strategy called “Emotional godparents”. The strategy addresses the meaning of old age, affectivity, social integration, and psychological wellbeing. This action-research is driven by a sociocultural encouragement process (raising awareness, considering options, making decisions, taking actions, and conducting assessments). The following techniques were used: participatory observations using a socioanalytical approach and the field diaries of researchers and emotional godparents. They made it possible to keep records of each of the activities carried out. The analysis of data from the methodological research structure was conducted based on triangulation. Research produces a social transformation in which the social fabric and the creation of community bonds generate emotional wellbeing among participants and a transformation in the way the elderly population is subjectively perceived.