The Effectiveness of Group Logotherapy on Middle-Aged Women With Depression

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a group logotherapy-based intervention, the life meaning promotion (LMP) program, in improving psychological outcomes for middle-aged women with depression.

A randomized, single-blind controlled trial was conducted with 38 women (age 40-59 years) diagnosed with mild-to-moderate major depressive disorder. Participants were randomly assigned to the LMP group (8 sessions of meaning-oriented group therapy over 4 weeks) or a control group (no intervention). Outcome measures-including the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, purpose in life (PIL) scale, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, Self-Efficacy Scale, and Quality of Life scale-were administered at baseline, post-treatment (4 weeks), and follow-up (8 weeks). Between-group differences over time were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance.

The LMP group showed significantly greater improvements than controls on all outcome measures at 4 and 8 weeks (p<0.05). Specifically, participants receiving LMP reported increased meaning and PIL, higher self-efficacy, improved quality of life, and reduced depressive symptoms. These gains were maintained at 8 weeks. The effect sizes for group differences were large, indicating clinically meaningful benefits of the LMP intervention.

A structured, meaning-focused group logotherapy intervention was effective in enhancing meaning in life, purpose, and overall psychological well-being while reducing depression in middle-aged women. The LMP program may be a valuable therapeutic approach to improve mental health outcomes in this population.