The Effect of Dignity Therapy on Perceived Dignity in Patients With Major Depression Disorder

Background: Because of the scarcity of studies on the effect of dignity therapy in patients with depression, and the conflicting results of the available studies, it is still unclear whether dignity therapy improves perceived dignity in patients with major depression disorder. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the effect of dignity therapy on the perceived dignity of patients with major depression disorder. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 58 patients with major depression disorder were randomly separated to an intervention group (28 patients) and a control group (30 ones). The intervention group received dignity therapy, according to a standard protocol and the control group only received routine care. A questionnaire for examining perceived human dignity was implemented immediately before and two months after the intervention. Descriptive statistics, Fischer’s exact test, Chi square, independent samples t-test, paired t-test, Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests were used in data analysis. Results: Of the 58 patients under study, 65.5% were female. No significant difference was found between the mean overall perceived dignity scores of the intervention group (100.2 ± 6.6) and the control group (99.8 ± 4.5) before the intervention (P = 0.78). However, two months after the intervention, the mean overall dignity scores were significantly different in the two groups (intervention group: 87.2 ± 3.8, control group: 98.9 ± 3.7, P < 0.001). Dignity therapy was effective on the subscales of dependency, peace of mind and social protection (P < 0.001), however, it did not affect distress signs (P = 0.10) and existential distress subscales (P = 0.09). Conclusions: Dignity therapy can improve perceived dignity in patients with major depression disorder. Therefore, this method can be implemented to improve perceived dignity in patients with major depression

Dignity therapy interventions for young people in palliative care: a rapid structured evidence review

Background: Dignity therapy is becoming established in adult settings, with research supporting its effectiveness. Aims: This article aims to summarise and synthesise the research that has explored dignity therapy and related meaning-making interventions in palliative care with young people. Methods: A rapid structured review was undertaken. Quality appraisal was based on the randomised control trial or cohort study Critical Appraisals Skills Programme (CASP) tool. Results: Four studies met the inclusion criteria; one focused on young people (7–17 years), the other three included young people but mean ages were 50–70 years. Dignity therapy was found to improve aspects of wellbeing for the patient and was perceived as helpful for the family. Conclusions: Dignity therapy is well received, with improvements in measures of wellbeing. However, few studies have included young people (24 years and below). This highlights a clear gap in the literature, suggesting the need to develop and evaluate a dignity therapy or related meaning-making intervention to support young people