Logotherapy is centered around the search for what fundamental concept?

Logotherapy, developed by Viktor Frankl, is fundamentally centered around the search for meaning in life. Frankl posited that the primary drive in human beings is not pleasure or power, but rather the pursuit of meaning. This approach is grounded in the belief that when individuals find a purpose or meaning to their existence, they can overcome suffering, engage more fully with life, and attain overall well-being.

While concepts like freedom, happiness, and knowledge can play important roles in an individual’s life, they do not encapsulate the core idea of logotherapy. Freedom is about autonomy and choice, happiness often pertains to emotions and feelings, and knowledge relates to understanding and information. However, the essence of logotherapy’s therapeutic process is aimed at helping people identify and create meaning in their lives, particularly during challenging times. Therefore, recognizing the importance of meaning is crucial for both personal growth and mental health, reaffirming why it is the fundamental concept in logotherapy.