Plattig, M: TrostErkundungen

In difficult situations, people need comforting words. Providing consolation is also a human need. Solace can be expressed through words, gestures and touch. It relieves pain and mental anguish and diminishes fear. Providing genuine comfort is one of the most essential and challenging aspects of many occupations. The authors engage with this challenge and discuss the phenomenon of "consolation" from different perspectives. Contributions from theology, philosophy, spirituality and psychology provide, for the first time, an interdisciplinary approach through which the fascinating human need and capacity for comforting can be examined through the lens of anthropology.