Process of therapeutic changes in Meaning-Centered Group Psychotherapy adapted to the Portuguese language: A narrative analysis

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:sec id="S147895151900110X_sec_a1" sec-type="other"><jats:title>Objective</jats:title><jats:p>The aim was to understand the processes of therapeutic changes in Meaning-Centered Group Psychotherapy (MCGP) in a Portuguese sample.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec id="S147895151900110X_sec_a2" sec-type="methods"><jats:title>Method</jats:title><jats:p>Adult cancer patients with distress motivated to participate in MCGP were identified; descriptive and narrative analyses were performed on the session content.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec id="S147895151900110X_sec_a3" sec-type="results"><jats:title>Results</jats:title><jats:p>The sample had 24 participants (mean age: 63.43 years); the majority were females (75%), with a median academic degree (54%). Breast cancer was most frequent (67%) at the localized stage (71%). The narrative analysis defined seven categories according to the MCGP themes. In “Moments with Meaning (MwM),” the most relevant dimensions were related to interpersonal relations, the moment of diagnosis, and personal achievements. This category established relations with almost all other categories, as did the category “historical sources of meaning (SoM).” The category “identity before and after cancer diagnosis” was only related to “attitudinal SoM” and “transitions.” Historical SoM had two dimensions, “past” and “present and future” legacies, in which prominent topics related to family, childhood, achieved goals, and values to pass to others explored. Attitudinal SoM established relations only with the category “creative SoM,” in which “courage” and “responsibility” were the main dimensions, which were also related to “MwM,” “historical,” and “attitudinal SoM.” Experiential SoM, with the main dimension “love,” was related to “MwM” and “historical SoM.” Transitions only established relations with “historical SoM” and “identity before and after cancer.”</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec id="S147895151900110X_sec_a4" sec-type="other"><jats:title>Significance of results</jats:title><jats:p>The findings that “MwM” and “historical SoM” were the categories which established a solid pattern of relations suggest that these are the main psychotherapy topics that can have more influence for the participants; one explanation is that these categories imply a concrete way of thinking, which is easier to understand. This process of therapeutic changes must be integrated in a cultural context, as it is well known to have an impact upon the “meaning” of life.</jats:p></jats:sec>

Exploring the experience of meaning-centered group psychotherapy among Chinese cancer patients during active treatment: a descriptive qualitative study

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The effect of spirituality-based education on the meaning of life in cancer patients: a quasi-experimental study

“…The results of a study showed that the meaning of life for cancer patients in Iran induces their personal growth [14]. Another study found that the meaning of life for cancer patients in Portugal improved their relationships with others and their functioning [15]. A study in the United States showed that the meaning of life for cancer patients improved their connection with friends and family members and strengthened their faith in God [16].…”

Reflecting on meaning in an existential-reorientation group psychotherapy approach for cancer patients: A qualitative thematic analysis

“…Since cultural differences may exist regarding the meaning of cancer as an event that interrupts one's own existential journey, the adaptation of group meaning-centered interventions and MCP have been proposed, taking into account the culturally bound representation of existence and meaning (e.g., Leng et al, 2018 in China; da Ponte et al, 2020 in Portugal). In Italy, only a few data are available in the area of the meaning of the disease and the way cancer patients interpret their experience of illness.…”