ERIC Number: EJ885364
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010
Pages: 25
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0748-1187
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Effects of Directed Written Disclosure on Grief and Distress Symptoms among Bereaved Individuals
Lichtenthal, Wendy G.; Cruess, Dean G.
Death Studies, v34 n6 p475-499 2010
Bereavement-specific written disclosure trials have generally demonstrated null effects, but these studies have not directed the focus of writing. This randomized controlled trial compared directed writing that focused on either sense-making or benefit-finding, both associated with adjustment to loss, to traditional, non-directed emotional disclosure and a control condition. Bereaved undergraduates (n = 68) completed three 20-min writing sessions over 1 week. Intervention effects were found on prolonged grief disorder, depressive, and posttraumatic stress symptoms 3 months postintervention, and the benefit-finding condition appeared particularly efficacious. Physical health improved over time in all treatment groups. Findings suggested that directing written disclosure on topics associated with adjustment to bereavement may be useful for grieving individuals. (Contains 2 tables and 3 figures.)
Descriptors: Grief, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Physical Health, Stress Management, Self Disclosure (Individuals), Writing (Composition), Writing Assignments, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Coping, Undergraduate Students, Depression (Psychology), Program Effectiveness
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A