EDITORIAL

Adriano Holanda

(Editor)

The beginning of another year is a signpost in our search for excellence. Present trends in Phenomenological studies in Brazil are positive: more studies from this perspective have been published, creating new opportunities for dialogues; more themes and research models; and, above all, an upward trend in the quality of published papers.

This last trend is indeed positive, but it also represents a greater (if welcome) challenge. Whether in pure Phenomenology, or in its diverse applications to Human, Social and Health Sciences, we who engage in research must always strive to keep this upward trend.

Over the past three years, while we have been more rigorous in our evaluation criteria, we have also sought to broaden the focus of our journal, always looking for more diverse perspectives on our common foundation. We have been able to offer intriguing papers on both philosophical studies and health applications based in Phenomenology. We have also enhanced our international reach, looking always for more papers in English and in Spanish, and also with translations (whenever possible). All of this is a testament to our commitment to the very history of Phenomenology and its principles: accuracy, openness and diversity.

The editorial board of Phenomenological Studies - Revista da Abordagem Gestáltica has resulted in an increase of submissions and publications; this has also led us to change our periodicity to quarterly from 2017. Fortunately, we have been able to adapt our workflow to the needs of three issues per year; it is now the end of November, 2018, while we apply the finishing touches to this first 2019 issue. On the other hand, a stricter evaluation proccess has led to a higher ratio of rejected manuscripts; such is the price to pay for our commitment to quality.

The mission of Phenomenological Studies - Revista da Abordagem Gestáltica is what it has always been: to publish high-quality papers on Phenomenology. We thank all of our collaborators and authors, who have helped to create more than a journal: this is a haven, a continuing tribute to an essential aspect of contemporary Philosophy.

Our journal is today a tribute to the very hard work of several dozen people - authors, editors, reviewers, and others - who have brightened our way throughout several hardships. They created a story of success.

It is fitting that his issue includes a wide variety of topics: Semiotics, health, ludo therapy, storytelling, language, hypnosis, organizations, violence and society; and we end with a glimpse to our common past, with an excerpt from one of the first publications in Phenomenology in Brazil.

I hope you will enjoy reading this issue.

Adriano Holanda
(Editor)

(This issue was finished at November, 29, 2018)