A Systematic Review of Meaning-Centered and Logotherapy-Based Interventions for Enhancing Positive Psychological Outcomes in Adolescents

Adolescence is a critical developmental period characterized by identity exploration, heightened emotional reactivity, and increased vulnerability to psychological distress. Meaning-centered and logotherapy-based interventions, grounded in the principles of meaning, purpose, and personal responsibility, may provide a promising approach for strengthening positive psychological resources and supporting adolescents in coping with developmental and psychological challenges. This systematic review aimed to synthesize empirical evidence on the effectiveness of meaning-centered and logotherapy-based interventions in enhancing positive psychological outcomes and psychological well-being among adolescents. A PRISMA-guided systematic review was conducted using PsycINFO, PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Google Scholar. Peer-reviewed empirical studies published between 2015 and 2024 were considered for inclusion. Eligible studies involved adolescents aged 12–19 years and evaluated logotherapy or meaning-centered interventions using randomized controlled or quasi-experimental designs. Data were synthesized narratively because of substantial heterogeneity in study designs, intervention formats, outcome measures, and intervention duration. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria and represented diverse cultural contexts. Overall, the included studies reported improvements in meaning in life, psychological well-being, resilience, self-esteem, and adaptive coping. Several studies also reported reductions in depressive symptoms, maladaptive behaviours, and emotional distress. However, the evidence base was characterized by methodological limitations, including small sample sizes, reliance on self-report measures, variation in intervention duration and delivery formats, and differences in outcome assessment. The findings suggest that meaning-centered and logotherapy-based interventions show promise for enhancing positive psychological outcomes and supporting psychological well-being among adolescents. Nevertheless, the current evidence remains limited and heterogeneous, highlighting the need for larger, rigorously designed randomized controlled trials using standardized outcome measures and longer-term follow-up to establish the effectiveness and sustainability of these interventions.