Therapeutic writing as an intervention for symptoms of bulimia nervosa: effects and mechanism of change.
OBJECTIVE
This study explored the effects on bulimic symptomatology of a writing task intended to reduce emotional avoidance.


METHODS
Eighty individuals reporting symptoms of bulimia completed, by e-mail, a therapeutic or control writing task. Participants completed questionnaires on bulimic symptoms, mood, and potential moderating and mediating factors, and were followed up after 4 and 8 weeks. Writing content was explored using a word count package and qualitative framework analysis.


RESULTS
Bulimic symptoms decreased in both groups, although in both groups the number of participants who improved was approximately equal to the number who did not improve. Symptom decreases were associated with increases in perceived mood regulation abilities, and decreases in negative beliefs about emotions. Participants preferred internet delivery to face to face discussion.


CONCLUSIONS
For individuals experiencing symptoms of bulimia, the effects of therapeutic writing did not differ significantly from effects of a control writing task.
Johnston
Olwyn
O
Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, United Kingdom. olwyn.johnston@hantspt-sw.nhs.uk
Startup
Helen
H
Lavender
Anna
A
Godfrey
Emma
E
Schmidt
Ulrike
U
D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D052018:Bulimia Nervosa / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D034742:Electronic Mail; D004644:Emotions; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014956:Writing