The Effectiveness of Logo-Bibliotherapy on the Depression of Selected Filipino Suffering from Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia Gravis (MG), a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by weakness of the skeletal muscles of the body caused by circulating antibodies that block acetylcholine receptors at the post-synaptic neuromuscular junction, inhibiting the stimulative effect of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. They experienced weakening of the muscles in extremities; change in facial expression; difficulty in swallowing; shortness of breath and impaired speech. Furthermore, they are also bothered emotionally and psychologically, they experienced depression, hopelessness and unclear view of their future. It undermines patient’s ability to cope with everyday activities, difficult situations, and financial constraint. It leads to isolation and lack of clear perception of their purpose of one’s existence. This study utilized Logo-bibliotherapy as an intervention for Filipinos suffering from MG in response to Frankl’s view that finding meaning and purpose in life is the basic driving force and the fundamental desire of humans that may relieve them of their depression, and lack of meaning in life. Pre-test Post-test Control Group Design is the method used in this experimental study. There were 30 participants that were randomly assigned into two groups?experimental and control. This experimental design used the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Purpose in Life (PIL) and Life Regards Index (LRI) tests. The experimental group was given logo-bibliotherapy intervention. The test revealed that the experimental group has decreased their level of depression (M=4.60), increased their Life Regard (M=166.07) and Purpose in life (M=113.5). Significant difference was observed between posttest of control group and experimental group with depression (M=30.8, p=0.00, d=4.92), life regard (M=120.87, p=0.00, d=19.48) and the purpose in life (M= 47.87, p=0.00, d= 4.24). The result of this study has important repercussion to psychological practice as it can be a strategy to address issues of depression and low purpose in life.