1Department of Nursing, Sahmyook University, Korea. kangka@syu.ac.kr 2Korea Cancer Center Hospital, Korea. 3The Graduate School of Health Science & Social Welfare, Sahmyook University, Korea. 4Department of Nursing, Hallym University, Korea. 5School Nurse, Heungmu Elementary School, Korea. 6Department of Statistics, Hallym University, Korea.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of a logotherapy education program.
METHODS: A nonequivalent control group, non-synchronized design was conducted with a convenience sample of 29 children with cancer. The experimental group (n=17) participated in the logotherapy education program which consisted of 5 daily sessions for one week. The control group (n=12) received the usual nursing care. The effects were measured using suffering, adolescent meaning in life (AMIL), and spiritual well-being (SWBS) scales.
RESULTS: There were significant differences in suffering (W=153.00, p< .05) and meaning in life (W=78.00, p< .05) between the experimental and control groups. However, there was no significant difference in spiritual well-being (W=136.50, p> .05).
CONCLUSIONS: Logotherapy was effective in reducing suffering and improving the meaning in life. Logotherapy can be utilized for adolescents with terminal cancer to prevent existential distress and improve their quality of life.