Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy in Psycho-Oncological Care

Being diagnosed with cancer is commonly associated with psychological distress. Especially patients with advanced disease report a range of distinct symptoms that are referred to as existential distress. The conceptualization of existential distress is mainly characterized by the loss of a sense of meaning and purpose in life resulting from the confrontation with a life-threatening disease. Existential distress has a significant impact on health care outcomes and quality of life. It has been found to be associated with suicidal ideation, even in the absence of mental disorders such as depression. Meaning-centered psychotherapy offers effective interventions with regard to reducing existential distress in cancer patients.

Automated summary

Being diagnosed with cancer often leads to psychological distress. Advanced cancer patients in particular may experience what is called existential distress, characterized by a loss of meaning and purpose in life due to facing a life-threatening disease. Existential distress greatly impacts healthcare outcomes and quality of life, and is associated with suicidal thoughts, even without accompanying mental disorders like depression. Meaning-centered psychotherapy has proven successful in alleviating existential distress in cancer patients.