Effects of Meaning-Centered Therapy on Depressive Symptoms in Adults and Older Adults: A Systematic Review / 정신간호학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of meaning-centered therapy (MCT) on depressive symptoms in adults and older adults, excluding cancer patients.METHODS: Ten databases were systematically to extract peer-reviewed journal articles and dissertations in Korean or English. Two independent researchers assessed the risk of bias and the quality of the report using Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network criteria.RESULTS: A total of 12 (five Korean and seven non-Korean) studies were finally selected after removing 66 of the 78 studies assessed for eligibility due to inappropriate subject inclusion and research design. Eleven studies reported that MCT was effective in reducing depressive symptoms, except for one study using web-based MCT for cancer caregivers. Those studies also showed that the effects remained at the patient follow-up sessions.CONCLUSION: The reviewed studies provide evidence suggesting that MCT may be effective in reducing depressive symptoms in adults and older adults. However, it is necessary to investigate the effectiveness of on-line MCT on the depressive symptom reduction in the future.