The Effect of Group Logotherapy on Meaning in Life and Depression Levels of Iranian Students

Int J Adv Couns. 2015;37(1):54-62. doi: 10.1007/s10447-014-9225-0.

Abstract

This paper identifies the effectiveness of group logotherapy in reducing depression and increasing meaning in life levels of university students in Iran. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with a pre- post- and follow-up test design. The instruments used were the Purpose in Life (PIL) test and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Data were collected from 10 subjects in an experimental group and 10 in a control group. The experimental group participated in 10 sessions of group logotherapy, whilst the control group received no intervention. The mean scores for depression levels was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group and significantly higher in regard to meaning in life. Results suggest that group logotherapy has the potential to reduce depression levels and improve the meaning in life of university students.

Keywords: Depression; Iranian students; Logotherapy; Meaning in life.