Effect of a group logotherapeutic program for older adults on mental health indicators

Abstract

AbstractThe study aimed to evaluate a logotherapeutic program for its potential to improve mental well‐being in the elderly. Group logotherapy programs comprising eight sessions were provided to 44 older adults. Participants completed baseline, postintervention, and follow‐up questionnaires assessing mental well‐being, self‐esteem, life satisfaction, meaning in life, and psychological distress. The logotherapeutic program did not affect outcome measures when analyzed for the total sample. Separate analyses by participants scoring below or above the respective thresholds at baseline revealed increased well‐being and self‐esteem and decreased symptoms of depression, anxiety, obsessive–compulsive disorders, and somatoform symptoms, but only in individuals who were already experiencing poor well‐being, poor self‐esteem, or some level of psychological distress before the intervention. Results suggest that the logotherapy‐based group program can be particularly effective for older adults who are already experiencing psychological distress or have lower self‐esteem.