Who does expressive writing work for? Examination of alexithymia, splitting, and repressive coping style as moderators of the expressive writing paradigm
Authors: Baikie, Karen A.1; McIlwain, Doris2
Source: British Journal of Health Psychology, Volume 13, Number 1, February 2008 , pp. 61-66(6)
Publisher: British Psychological Society
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Abstract:
ObjectiveThis paper examines the moderating influence of alexithymia, splitting, and repressive coping style in the expressive writing paradigm. MethodEighty-eight university students randomized to four weekly 20-minute expressive or neutral writing sessions, with 1-month follow-up. ResultsExpressive writing was more beneficial for individuals scoring higher on alexithymia and splitting, but not repressive coping. ConclusionsFuture research should include personality measures in explorations of expressive writing to further understand the boundary conditions of the expressive writing paradigm.Document Type: Research article
DOI: 10.1348/135910707X250893
Affiliations: 1: School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales and Black Dog Institute, Sydney, Australia 2: Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Australia
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