In the present study the effectiveness of writing assignments in the treatment of individuals who have suffered traumatic or stressful life events is investigated. Thirty-two undergraduates participated in the study. The treatment consisted of five writing sessions of 45 min duration that took place over a period of 2 weeks. Immediately following the intervention, subjects showed significant improvement in their ratings of depression, anxiety and fear. The positive effects of the treatment were still evident after a period of 8 weeks. Two possible explanations of the beneficial effects of writing assignments are discussed: self-confrontation and cognitive reappraisal.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Schoutrop et al. (1997) studied this question.