Table 4 Themes, frequencies and example quotations of patient views on the DTQP (N = 29)

Title of the intervention (Dignity Therapy ➔ Würdezentrierte Therapie)

The title conveys dignity until the end

1 / -

The title conveys that my entire existence is dignified and I am taken seriously as long as I am alive. I want to be appreciated. (M 136)

Dignity conveys respect

6 / 1

Dignity means to accept the person and respect him or her as he or she is. (M 163)

Dignity is an attitude

4 / -

Dignity evokes the idea of appreciating your own life story. (M 128)

Therapy is irritating

4 / -

Therapy is an action and I don’t see how this goes together with dignity. (M 202)

Therapy conveys help

11 / 2

Therapy conveys a helpful technique to solve a problem. (M 43)

The title is not informative

8 / 2

First I couldn’t understand anything with the title. I had no idea what kind of technique this therapy could be. (M 43)

The title is suitable

8 / 5

The title is suitable for this intervention as it means to reflect about what was important in your life. (W 23)

Dignity Therapy Question Protocol

Everything is addressed

3 / 2

The questions cover everything like a comprehensive frame. (M 99)

Open questions provoke reflection

4 / 1

The questions force you to think back and reminisce about what you have gone through. (W 54)

The DTQP is coherent

5 / 7

I think it was coherent and every question fits; it combines theoretical and practical aspects. (M 117)

The questions in the DTQP make sense

6 / 1

The questions are all emotional, some make you cry, some make you laugh about something, but it’s always liberating. (W 23)

The DTQP contains duplications

3 / 2

Question no. 8 and no. 9 are similar. (W 007)

Some questions are difficult

5 / 2

It’s difficult to respond to questions that are partly very personal – but it works. (M 83)

There are no upsetting questions

5 / -

The questions were alright. None of them was disruptive. (M 92)

Wording of individual questions

There are no disruptive words

3 / -

There were no specific words that were upsetting. (M 21)

Question 5: Change “Remit” (Aufgabenbereiche) to “Roles” (Rollen)

1 / -

I think it would be better to ask for roles instead of remits. (M 43)

Question 2: The word “alive” (lebendig) is moving

3 / -

I like the word ‘alive’ because it encompasses everything and is different from being happy or cheerful. (M 57)

Question 8, 9, 10: Relatives mentioned should be personalized

- / 1

For me, I would replace relatives with children. (W 007)

Question 7: “Accomplishments” (Leistungen) and “Pride” (Stolz) are connoted positively

2 / -

Pride and accomplishments belong to us by nature; it’s something positive. (M 129)

Question 7: “Pride” (Stolz) is connoted negatively

2 / -

The word “pride” is too strong and should be replaced with contentment. (M 136)

Question 12: “Advice” (Rat) should be replaced

- / 1

The word ‘advice’ is disruptive because I think everyone lives his or her own life. (W 23)

Set of questions actually asked during DT interview

The photo metaphor is well received

1 /

The question regarding memories as if looking through a photo album is nice. (M 43)

All questions elicited a response

3 / -

Any question asked was okay, so that it [the interview] was genuine. (M 83)

Questions concerning loved ones are emotionally evocative

3 / 1

It is important to talk about the emotional things although they trigger sadness. (W 23)

Additional questions arise situational

3 / -

The DTQP provides the questions to give me an idea of what the interview is about – additional questions come up as we go along. (M 129)

The interview atmosphere contributes to a successful DT interview

3 / -

The Therapist was very good; I don’t think I have opened up that much with many people. (M 136)