Meaning of Life Therapy

A Pilot Study of a Novel Psycho-Existential Intervention for Palliative Care in Cancer

Bibliographic Data

ID13628997
AuthorsAna Cardoso (0000-0002-4935-3398, Hospital de São João), Ana Rita Cardoso (0000-0001-9051-6032, Instituto São João de Deus), Sónia Remondes-Costa (University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro), Sónia Remondes‐costa (0000-0003-4282-3964, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro), Elisa Veiga (0000-0003-1224-593X, Universidade Católica Portuguesa), Vera Almeida (0000-0003-2803-8038, University Institute of Health Sciences), José Rocha (0000-0001-5939-9122, University Institute of Health Sciences), José Carlos Rocha (0000-0003-0955-810X, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário), Ricardo João Teixeira (0000-0003-3820-1660, University of Coimbra), Gerly Macedo (Hospital da Senhora de Oliveira), Manuela Leite (0000-0001-6916-0721, University Institute of Health Sciences, corresponding author)
Year2023
Volume92
Issue3
Pages1529-1558
Publication date2023-10-26
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueOMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0030-2228 • E-ISSN: 1541-3764
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/00302228231209654
PMID37884277
OpenAlexW4387966837
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited56

Intervention in Palliative Care aims to provide physical, psychosocial, and spiritual relief for patients and family members. Brief interventions with a psycho-existential approach have shown positive responses; however, cultural adaptations are needed. This pilot study aimed to develop the Meaning of Life Therapy (MLT), a novel psycho-existential intervention, rooted in the Dignity Therapy, Life Review, and Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy. MLT was culturally adapted to the Portuguese context to include questions about forgiveness, apology, reconciliation, farewell, and a legacy document, i.e., the Life Letter . Nine PC cancer patients answered a 14-question MLT protocol, intended to help patients find purpose and meaning in life. Eight themes emerged: Family, Preservation of Identity, Life Retrospective, Clinical Situation, Achievements, Socio-Professional Valorization, Forgiveness/Apology/Reconciliation, and Saying Goodbye. MLT has proved its ability to respond to the psycho-existential needs of PC patients. Further studies should be conducted to gain extensive knowledge of the effectiveness of culturally responsive interventions

Context (archaeology · Dignity · Existentialism · Forgiveness · Intervention (counseling · Meaning (existential · Palliative care · Psychological intervention · Psychosocial · Psychotherapist · Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health · Medicine · Nursing · Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues · Patient Dignity and Privacy · Psychology · Social Psychology

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