Meaning-centered psychotherapy in the oncology and palliative care settings Book Section


Authors: Breitbart, W.; Masterson, M.
Editors: Russo-Netzer, P.; Schulenberg, S. E.; Batthyany, A.
Article/Chapter Title: Meaning-centered psychotherapy in the oncology and palliative care settings
Abstract: Meaning-centered psychotherapy (MCP) was developed when meaning was first identified by our research group and others as a central tool in diminishing psychosocial distress and despair at the end of life. MCP is based on Viktor Frankl's logotherapy and was developed to help patients with advanced cancer to sustain or enhance a sense of meaning, peace, and purpose in their lives even as they approach the end of life. MCP is based on a theoretical model in which the enhancement of meaning results in improved quality of life and reduced distress, despair, and suffering. MCP has shown to be a highly effective intervention for existential distress among cancer patients, specifically improving quality of life and spiritual well-being, while diminishing depression, hopelessness, and the desire for hastened death. The core principles that have contributed to its success in treating advanced cancer patients have been utilized and built upon to generate solutions for a wider population, including cancer survivors, young adults, caregivers, and bereaved parents. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)
Keywords: advanced cancer; palliative care; oncology; diagnosis; meaning-centered psychotherapy
Book Title: Clinical Perspectives on Meaning: Positive and Existential Psychotherapy
ISBN: 978-3-319-41395-2
Publisher: Springer  
Publication Place: Cham, Switzerland
Date Published: 2016-01-01
Start Page: 245
End Page: 260
Language: English
ACCESSION: 2017-03743-012
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-41397-6_12
PROVIDER: Ovid Technologies
PROVIDER: psycinfo
DOI/URL:
Notes: Book Chapter: -- Source: PsycINFO
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  1. William S Breitbart
    505 Breitbart
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