Suffering, Mental Health, and the Role of Logotherapy

Abstract: This study explores the role of suffering within Viktor Frankl's logotherapy framework and examines its application to modern mental health care and daily life. Logotherapy, which emphasizes finding meaning through suffering, contrasts with other therapeutic approaches that focus primarily on symptom relief or cognitive restructuring. By highlighting the central tenet that individuals can choose their attitude toward suffering and find purpose in adversity, this study delves into how logotherapy aids patients in clinical settings, particularly those experiencing existential crises, chronic illness, or trauma. It also addresses criticisms of the approach, including its focus on individual responsibility and the limited empirical support for its efficacy in treating severe mental health disorders. Furthermore, the research integrates a spiritual dimension, considering how logotherapy's principles align with broader philosophical and religious concepts of suffering and redemption. Ultimately, this study contributes to understanding how meaning-making can serve as a valuable psychological tool, offering insights for both clinical practice and personal coping strategies. Implications for research, practice, and theory are discussed, critically evaluating logotherapy's role in contemporary therapeutic interventions. Keywords: logotherapy, suffering, existential therapy, mental health, tragic optimism, psychological resilience. Title: Suffering, Mental Health, and the Role of Logotherapy Author: Dr. David Augustine Bull International Journal of Healthcare Sciences ISSN 2348-5728 (Online) Vol. 12, Issue 2, October 2024 - March 2025 Page No: 19-34 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 30-October-2024 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14012884 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/suffering-mental-health-and-the-role-of-logotherapy