J Korean Acad Nurs.  2009 Dec;39(6):759-768. 10.4040/jkan.2009.39.6.759.

The Effects of Logotherapy on Meaning in Life and Quality of Life of Late Adolescents with Terminal Cancer

• Kang KA
• Shim JS
• Jeon DG
• Koh MS

• KMID: 1718150
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2009.39.6.759

Abstract

PURPOSE
To evaluate the effects of a logotherapy program entitled 'Finding meaning in my life' for adolescents with terminal cancer. METHODS: A nonequivalent control group, non-synchronized design was conducted with a convenience sample of 44 late adolescents with terminal cancer. The experimental group (n=22) participated in the 'Finding meaning in my life' program which consisted of five-day sessions for one week. The control group (n=22) received the usual nursing care. The effects were measured using adolescent meaning in life (AMIL), and quality of life (QOL) scales. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and t-test using SPSS/PC 17.0 program. RESULTS: There were significant differences in AMIL (t=3.36, p<.05) and QOL (t=2.67, p<.05) between the experimental and control groups. CONCLUSION: Logotherapy is effective in improving the meaning in life and quality of life of late adolescents with terminal cancer, and can be used to prevent existential distress.

Keyword

Adolescents; Neoplasms; Quality of life; Palliative care

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Demography
Female
Humans
Male
Neoplasms/psychology/*therapy
Patient Education as Topic
Program Evaluation
*Psychotherapy
Quality of Life
Questionnaires
Young Adult

Figure

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  Figure 1 Research design X=logotherapy education program; Y1=general characteristics; AMIL=adolescents meaning in life; QOL=quality of life; Y2=AMIL, QOL.

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