Psychological and Theological Aspect of the Relationship in Which the Relatives Found Themselves with the Ambiguously Lost Prisoner

Abstract

In the article “Psychological and Theological Aspect of the Relationship in Which the Relatives Found Themselves with the Ambiguously Lost Prisoner”, the authors present the psychological and theological aspects of addressing the relationship between relatives and an individual serving a prison sentence. The first chapter presents the concept of “Ambiguous Loss,” which was introduced in psychology by Pauline Boss and has become an increasingly established term. This is followed by the presentation of Guy Lafon’s theological relational theory. The comparison of these two theories shows that psychology examines the experience of the presence of a physically absent relative, while theology discusses the recognition of the prisoner’s presence in his absence. Psychology explores the realm of human emotions, while theology considers faith as a rational decision for the relationship with the (O)other. Theology also sees faith as an element in interpersonal relationships, as the ability to recognize the presence of a partner in his absence. These two scientific disciplines complement each other in the understanding that, despite physical separation, it is possible to maintain a relationship.

Keywords

• ambiguous loss
• psychology
• theological relational theory
• prisoner
• faith