Seeing the glass half full: Optimistic expressive writing improves mental health among chronically stressed caregivers
Authors: Mackenzie, Corey S.1; Wiprzycka, Ursula J.2; Hasher, Lynn3; Goldstein, David4
Source: British Journal of Health Psychology, Volume 13, Number 1, February 2008 , pp. 73-76(4)
Publisher: British Psychological Society
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Abstract:
ObjectivesThis study explored treatment mediators among caregivers of older adults who did not benefit from expressive writing in a recently published randomized clinical trial. MethodsTwenty-seven expressive writing and time management participants completed questionnaires prior to writing, following their fourth writing session, and 1 month later. We examined the effect of group differences in linguistic markers on health improvements. Results and conclusionsOur hypothesis concerning narrative development received no support, and expected links between function words and health were partially confirmed. Results most strongly supported the hypothesis that expressive writing benefited caregivers who used increasingly positive, optimistic, and future-focused language.Document Type: Research article
DOI: 10.1348/135910707X251153
Affiliations: 1: Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Manitoba, Canada 2: Department of Counselling Psychology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada 3: Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, The Rotman Research Institute of Baycrest Centre, Ontario, Canada 4: Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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