Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026

Therapeutic Massage for Psychological Well-being in Geriatric Oncology
Published on: May 22, 2026
The Effectiveness of Nurse-Delivered Logotherapy-Based Interventions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Kyung-Young Hong1, Mi-Jung Kang1
1College of Nursing, Eulji University, Uijeongbu-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.
Introduction:
Existential distress, depression and loss of meaning are important concerns in psychiatric and mental health nursing. Logotherapy has been applied in nursing to address these issues, but its effectiveness when delivered specifically by nurses has not been systematically synthesised.
Aim/Question:
This review evaluated the effectiveness of nurse-delivered logotherapy-based interventions through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Methods:
Ten databases were searched for studies published between 1950 and January 2025. Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria: four randomised controlled trials and 15 nonrandomised controlled trials. A meta-analysis of 15 nonrandomised controlled trials examined meaning in life and depression. Methodological rigour was ensured by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines, registering the protocol with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews and applying Cochrane risk-of-bias tools.
Results:
Interventions were typically delivered over one to eight sessions, primarily in group-based formats, and targeted adult populations across diverse clinical and community settings. The meta-analysis demonstrated significant improvements in meaning in life (Hedges' g = 0.97) and significant reductions in depression (Hedges' g = 0.79). Larger effect sizes were observed among older participants, while studies with smaller sample sizes tended to report greater effects.
Discussion:
These findings suggest that nurse-delivered logotherapy-based interventions may represent a clinically applicable approach to addressing meaning-related outcomes alongside depressive symptoms in psychiatric and community nursing.
Limitations:
Few randomised trials, methodological heterogeneity and the predominance of studies from Korea may limit generalisability.
Implications For Practice:
Nurse-delivered logotherapy-based interventions provide a structured, evidence-based approach to existential and spiritual care in psychiatric and community nursing.
Recommendations:
Future research should employ rigorous randomised designs and assess long-term outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Nursing Evaluation
Psychotherapy
Elements Crucial for Effective Psychotherapy
The Therapeutic Alliance
The therapeutic alliance refers to the relationship between the therapist and the client. The alliance strengthens when the therapist and the client engage in a nurturing, supportive, trusting, empathetic, and respectful relationship, improving therapeutic outcomes. Therapists must monitor this relationship...
Psychodynamic Therapy
Humanistic Therapy
Cognitive Therapy