Expressive writing reduces avoidance and somatic complaints in a community sample with constraints on expression.
METHODS
This experimental study examined expressive writing (EW) in a community sample with social constraints on self-expression. Gay men (N=62) were assigned randomly to describe gay-related thoughts and feelings (EW) or to write objectively (CTRL). Self-reported symptoms and physician visits were assessed at baseline and 1- and 2-month follow-ups.


RESULTS
Significant GroupxTime interaction for somatic symptoms indicated buffering effect of EW. EW reduced gay-related avoidance, relative to CTRL. Avoidance and symptom changes were significantly, positively associated.


CONCLUSIONS
Consistent with inhibition theory, EW reduces chronic avoidance and buffers stress-related physical symptoms in stigmatized groups.
Swanbon
Thomas
T
Alliant International University, California, USA.
Boyce
Lindsay
L
Greenberg
Melanie A
MA
D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D019260:Expressed Emotion; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D007266:Inhibition, Psychological; D008297:Male; D033262:Narration; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D013240:Stereotyping; D013850:Thinking; D014956:Writing