The Effects of Logotherapy on Distress, Depression, and Demoralization in Breast Cancer and Gynecological Cancer Patients: A Preliminary Study.

BACKGROUND

Globally, cancer is the second leading cause of death. Breast cancer and gynecological cancer can damage patients' body image and lead to psychological distress, depression, and demoralization syndrome. No studies have explored the effect of logotherapy in gynecological cancer patients' psychological distress, depression, and demoralization.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of logotherapy on distress, depression, and demoralization in breast cancer and gynecological cancer patients.

METHODS

A quasi-experimental design was used in this study, involving 61 breast cancer and gynecological cancer patients: 31 in the experimental group and 30 in the control group. Participants in the experimental group received logotherapy 4 to 6 times during the 12 weeks of intervention. Outcomes were measured by the (1) Distress Thermometer, (2) Patient Health Questionnaire, and (3) Demoralization Scale Mandarin Version (DS-MV).

RESULTS

Distress Thermometer did not differ between groups, but significant differences in favor of the intervention group were noted in the Patient Health Questionnaire (U = 674.500, P = .002); the DS-MV subcategories of loss of meaning (U = 706.500, P = .000), dysphoria (U = 673.000, P = .002), disheartenment (U = 670.000, P = .003), helplessness (U = 621.000, P = .022), and sense of failure (U = 629.500, P = .016); and the total score of the DS-MV (U = 728.500, P = .000).

CONCLUSION

Logotherapy was effective in the reduction of breast cancer and gynecological cancer patients' depression and demoralization.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Clinical professionals could add logotherapy to the treatment for breast cancer and gynecological cancer patients to reduce their depression and demoralization.