Writing about emotional experiences as a therapeutic process

Journal/Book: Psychol Sci. 1997; 8: 40 West 20TH Street, New York, NY 10011-4211. Cambridge Univ Press. 162-166.

Abstract: For the past decade, an increasing number of studies have demonstrated that when individuals write about emotional experiences, significant physical and mental health improvements follow. The basic paradigm and findings are summarized along with some boundary conditions. Although a reduction in inhibition may contribute to the disclosure phenomenon, changes in basic cognitive and linguistic processes during writing predict better health. Implications for theory and treatment are discussed.

Note: Article Pennebaker JW, So Methodist Univ, Dept Psychol, Dallas,TX 75275 USA

Keyword(s): WRITTEN ESSAYS; DISCLOSURE; HEALTH; TRAUMAS; PSYCHOTHERAPY; EXPRESSION

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