The Effects of Logotherapy on Meaning of Life of Early Adolescents with Cancer

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of a logotherapy program entitled 'Finding treasures in my mind' for early adolescents with cancer. METHODS: A nonequivalent control group, non-synchronized design was conducted with a convenience sample of 22 early adolescents with cancer. The experimental group (n=12) participated in the 'Finding treasures in my mind' program which consisted of five-day sessions for one week. The control group (n=10) received the usual nursing care. The effects were measured using meaning of life (MOL) for early adolescents. The collected data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test, t-test, and content analysis. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in MOL for early adolescents (t=3.20, p=.005) between the experimental and control groups. The main results of content analysis were having goals and hope, recovering health, returning to school life, and loving relationships with family. CONCLUSION: Logotherapy is effective in improving the meaning of life of early adolescents with cancer. This education program based on logotherapy can be used as an important nursing intervention in a cancer nursing care setting.