Discipline: Psychology
Logotherapy emphasizes that meaning exists in all circumstances. Finding meaning is complex and is found in the individual’s confrontation with the challenges of the world. How can adolescents find orientation and meaning in the midst of negatives and suffering, particularly in depression? The objective of this study is to determine the effects of a meaning-centered approach to therapy on the depression experienced by adolescent freshmen of Colegio de San Juan de Letran. Because of the seriousness of adolescent depression, adolescents perceive that life is devoid of meaning, they often feel confused and conflicted about what they should be doing and whom they can trust, combined with the conflicting demands of parents and peers, and environmental struggles in the society. To address these concerns, logotherapy was applied to a number of depressed adolescent freshmen presently enrolled in Colegio de San Juan de Letran. This approach would encourage adolescents in facing difficult challenges while trying to make sense out of suffering. This study utilized the pretest/posttest control group design to compare measurements made before, and after the application of logotherapy. The logotherapy program is based on Frankl’s (1984) therapeutic techniques and methods. Results reveal both quantitative and qualitative parts of this study point towards the fact that finding and pursuit of a worthy meaning lessens depression significantly and symptoms dissipate; thus, results imply an empowering effect towards recovery.
ISSN 2244-6338 (Online)
ISSN 1908 9147 (Print)
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