Work

Sense of meaning as a predictor of long-term therapy outcome in psychiatric inpatients: results of a one-year follow-up

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Identifying predictors of long-term therapy outcome is crucial in shaping effective therapy programs. This study examined sense of meaning in life, religiosity, and spirituality as potential predictors for long-term therapy success following psychiatric-psychotherapeutic inpatient treatment. A total of 127 patients from a psychiatric clinic in Switzerland were included. Standardized self-assessed questionnaires were administered on admission, at discharge, and at a one-year follow-up. The influence of meaning in life, religiosity, and spirituality on the course of depressive symptoms was assessed. Sense of meaning was identified as a significant positive predictor for therapy outcome one year after discharge. Positive associations between sense of meaning, religiosity, and spirituality suggest that there may be indirect effects of religiosity and spirituality on long-term therapy outcomes as well. Boosting a sense of meaning in psychiatric inpatient therapy might enhance long-term treatment outcomes. Possible indirect effects of religiosity and spirituality need further investigation.

Source: Research in Psychotherapy Psychopathology Process and Outcome

DOI: 10.4081/ripppo.2025.859

Authors: René Hefti, Daren Sunthareswarar, Thomas Wartenweiler, Harold Koenig, Michael Ackert

Institutions: University of Basel, University Hospital of Basel, Duke Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $431