Journal of Humanistic Psychology, Ahead of Print.
Perceiving one’s own life as meaningful is associated with mental health and well-being. Yet, psychotherapeutic interventions to enhance the experience of meaning have not been sufficiently evaluated in the context of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The aim of this study was to pilot a group therapy to increase meaning and to evaluate its feasibility and effectiveness. A small (N = 8) study was conducted with patients after or near the end of their CBT treatment. The intervention was evaluated with a mixed-methods design that utilized qualitative interviews as well as quantitative questionnaires (Satisfaction with Life Scale, Well-being Scale) at pre- and post-treatment as well as after 8-week follow-up. Additional measures (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, Positive Mental Health Scale, and the existential subscale of the McGill Quality of Life Scale) were administered after each session. Findings indicate that the group therapy was feasible and effective. Participants benefited from the therapy to a moderate to high extent, both in terms of symptom reduction and in terms of an improvement in general psychological well-being. Participants reported positive emotional and behavioral changes. Based on our findings, we conclude that existential interventions are meaningful extensions to CBT.