The effects of logotherapy on meaning in life, depression, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation, in patients with depression: An intervention study

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of logotherapy on meaning in life, depression, hopelessness, and suicide ideation in patients with depression.

Design and methods: A quasi-experimental approach was used and 86 participants were recruited from a psychiatric department in Taiwan. The experimental group received logotherapy for 12 weeks. The control group received depression education as usual.

Findings: The results revealed significant differences between and within the groups for meaning in life, depression, hopelessness, and suicide ideation.

Practice implications: Logotherapy was an effective method for increasing meaning in life, reducing the degree of depression, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation for patients with depression.

Keywords: depression; hopelessness; logotherapy; meaning in life; suicidal ideation.