Experiences of Meaning and Values in Psychotherapy: A Qualitative Interview Study with People Diagnosed with Depression

This study explores the experiences of people diagnosed with depression regarding the discussion of meaning and values in psychotherapy. The aim is to examine how these topics are perceived, whether they are considered relevant, and whether participants experience a gap or absence of attention to existential themes in therapy. The study follows a qualitative, exploratory design using semi-structured interviews, analyzed via Mayring’s qualitative content analysis. Participants are adults with diagnosed depression who have received psychotherapy. The study is preregistered prior to data collection to ensure transparency and rigor in the research process.