meaningcentered

Meaning-centered refers to approaches in psychology and related fields that place meaning and purpose at the core of treatment and well-being. The concept draws on existential philosophy, notably Viktor Frankl's logotherapy, and is aligned with contemporary ideas from positive psychology. It emphasizes that people can experience greater well-being when they actively construct meaning from life events, relationships, work, and beliefs.

In clinical practice, meaning-centered work is most closely associated with Meaning-Centered Therapy (MCT), a psychotherapeutic modality developed for people facing serious illness, especially advanced cancer. MCT aims to reduce existential distress and improve quality of life by helping patients identify personal sources of meaning, examine how suffering can be appraised through a meaningful lens, and develop purposeful attitudes and future-oriented goals. It typically uses individual and group formats and draws on exercises related to life narrative, legacy, value-consistent action, and relational connections.

Meaning-centered interventions have been applied in palliative care, oncology, and hospice settings. Empirical studies, including randomized trials and observational designs, have reported improvements in existential well-being, spiritual well-being, and overall quality of life, though findings can vary with study design and sample. Critics note the need for larger, more diverse samples and longer-term follow-up to establish broader efficacy.

Related concepts include logotherapy, existential psychology, and meaning-making, all of which explore how people derive purpose and significance from experiences, relationships, and beliefs.