Keywords
meaning in life
psychiatry
psychotherapy
mental health
existential psychology
depression
oncology
psychological well-being
How to Cite
Abstract
This article analyzes the effectiveness of Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, psychological symptoms, and emotional suffering associated with severe and chronic diseases. Logotherapy is presented as an existential psychotherapeutic approach centered on the search for meaning as the primary motivational force of human beings. In the contemporary context of increasing rates of depression, anxiety, existential crises, and emotional exhaustion, this approach has gained renewed scientific and clinical relevance due to its ability to integrate psychological, existential, and spiritual dimensions into mental health care.
The main objective of this study is to conduct a narrative review of the scientific literature concerning the application of logotherapy in the treatment of psychiatric and psychological illnesses. The methodological framework is based on a qualitative and descriptive analysis of scientific publications indexed in international databases, including PubMed, SciELO, Google Scholar, and Google. Sixty-two scientific studies published between 2012 and 2026 were selected according to criteria of scientific relevance, full-text availability, and direct relation to the proposed theme. The analyzed studies were written in English, Portuguese, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, and Korean.
The results demonstrate that logotherapy has significant effectiveness in reducing depressive symptoms, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, suicidal ideation, and existential emptiness. Particular attention has been given to the use of this approach among patients with cancer and depression, where international studies indicate especially positive therapeutic outcomes. Meaning-centered interventions contribute to improvements in psychological well-being, resilience, self-efficacy, quality of life, and adaptive coping mechanisms.
The analyzed studies also indicate that logotherapy promotes post-traumatic growth and improves the ability to cope with suffering and adverse life conditions. Several investigations highlight its usefulness in palliative care, clinical psychiatry, psychological rehabilitation, schizophrenia treatment, trauma-related disorders, and existential crises. The findings additionally demonstrate that logotherapy can be effectively integrated into group interventions, digital mental health programs, and interdisciplinary therapeutic approaches combining psychology, spirituality, and complementary therapies.
The scientific novelty of this article lies in the systematization of contemporary international research dedicated to logotherapy and in identifying its clinical potential as an integrative psychotherapeutic approach. The study emphasizes the importance of expanding existentially oriented interventions within modern mental health systems, particularly in hospital settings and psychological rehabilitation programs.
The practical significance of this research is associated with its potential application in clinical psychology, psychiatry, psychotherapy, psycho-oncology, and mental health care. The obtained findings confirm that logotherapy represents a valuable therapeutic instrument for reducing psychological suffering and improving the overall well-being of patients facing various physical and mental illnesses.
Keywords: logotherapy, meaning in life, psychiatry, psychotherapy, mental health, existential psychology, depression, oncology, psychological well-being.
Date of receipt of the article: 13.01.2026
Date of recommendation for publication: 21.03.2026
Date of publication: 30.03.2026
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