The child and their totality:

understanding constipational suffering in the phenomenological context

Abstract

The present qualitative study with a phenomenological existential approach investigated the experiences of a three-year-old child with intestinal constipation. The research analyzed the emotional and relational meanings associated with the symptom, focusing on the impact of the school environment. This work seeks to understand how these experiences impact children's physical and emotional suffering through case studies, therapeutic interventions based on play therapy and interdisciplinarity. The results revealed that constipation was mainly linked to the school context, where the child experienced significant emotional difficulties. The study reinforces the relevance of understanding childhood symptoms as expressions of being-in-the-world, providing a broader and more comprehensive perspective for clinical follow-up. In addition to reducing physical symptoms, the approach contributed to promoting the emotional and relational fortify of the child.