Analysis of 65,000 Voices from Children and Youth: How the Experience of "Being Understood in Suffering" Relates to Awareness of Support and Concern for Others

The General Incorporated Association End-of-Life Care Association, based in Minato-ku, Tokyo, led by Representative Director Taketoshi Ozawa, conducted a qualitative analysis of approximately 65,000 free descriptions from children and young people who participated in their "Life Lessons to Cultivate an Unbreakable Spirit" educational program. The study revealed a significant correlation between the experience of feeling "understood in suffering" and the development of awareness regarding personal support systems and empathy towards others in distress. Key findings indicate that even when direct resolution of suffering is difficult, focusing on available support can lead to positive changes and a sense of peace. The research also suggests that being acknowledged and sharing one's suffering can foster a sense of self-acceptance. This study applies insights from hospice and palliative care to an educational context, highlighting the potential for these relational approaches to prevent loneliness and foster a culture of mutual support among children and young people. The findings were published in the international journal Palliative Care and Social Practice (SAGE) in Volume 20, March 2026, with the article titled "From suffering to support: Applying the essence of spiritual care to compassion education for children and young people." The association plans to explore practical applications of these findings in schools, communities, and healthcare settings. An 11th Anniversary Symposium will be held on April 18, 2026, to further discuss these themes with practitioners, researchers, and community stakeholders. The End-of-Life Care Association was established on April 21, 2015.