J Korean Acad Child Health Nurs.  2009 Apr;15(2):136-144.

The Effect of Logotherapy on the Suffering, Finding Meaning, and Spiritual Well-being of Adolescents with Terminal Cancer

• Kang KA
• Im JI
• Kim HS
• Kim SJ
• Song MK
• Sim S

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of a logotherapy education program.
METHODS
A nonequivalent control group, non-synchronized design was conducted with a convenience sample of 29 children with cancer. The experimental group (n=17) participated in the logotherapy education program which consisted of 5 daily sessions for one week. The control group (n=12) received the usual nursing care. The effects were measured using suffering, adolescent meaning in life (AMIL), and spiritual well-being (SWBS) scales.
RESULTS
There were significant differences in suffering (W=153.00, p< .05) and meaning in life (W=78.00, p< .05) between the experimental and control groups. However, there was no significant difference in spiritual well-being (W=136.50, p> .05).
CONCLUSIONS
Logotherapy was effective in reducing suffering and improving the meaning in life. Logotherapy can be utilized for adolescents with terminal cancer to prevent existential distress and improve their quality of life.

Keyword

Adolescents; Neoplasms; Quality of life; Spirituality; Palliative care

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Child
Humans
Nursing Care
Palliative Care
Psychotherapy
Quality of Life
Spirituality
Stress, Psychological
Weights and Measures
Child Health