Dignity Therapy for Individuals with Severe Mental Illness: A Holistic Approach to Care –A Narrative Review

Fayaz Ahmad Paul¹, Priyanka Saikia², Arif Ali³, Aasim Ur Rehma Ganie⁴, Banani Basistha⁵

Keywords: : Dignity Therapy, Palliative Care, Severe Mental Illness, Autonomy

DOI: 10.63475/yjm.v4i1.0041

DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.63475/yjm.v4i1.0041

Publish Date: 21-05-2025

Pages: 43 - 50

Views: 8

Downloads: 11

Author Affiliation:

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (Autonomous), P.O., Kalamassery, Cochin- 683104, Kerala, India 
2 Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Psychiatric Social Work, Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur, Assam, India
3 Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatric Social Work, Institute of Human Behavior and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), New Delhi, India
4 Assistant Professor, Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences, O P Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana, India|
5 IoE Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, School of Humanities, University of Hyderabad, Telangana, India.

Abstract

Dignity therapy (DT) is an evidence-based psychotherapeutic approach originally designed to alleviate emotional and existential distress in patients with terminal illnesses. While dignity therapy has been well documented in palliative care, emerging perspectives suggest that its principles such as promoting autonomy, meaning, and self-worth can be beneficial for persons with severe mental illness (SMI) who often experience stigma, identity loss, and existential suffering. Although severe mental illness and terminal illness are distinct conditions both may involve the profound psychological and existential challenges that affect personal dignity. This paper explores the philosophical foundations and therapeutic benefits of dignity therapy, with a particular focus on its potential application in mental health settings. It highlights the significance of preserving dignity in psychiatric care and emphasizes the need for compassionate, person-centered mental health support tailored to the lived experiences of the person with severe mental illness.