title: Mindfulness as a moderator in expressive writing.
abstract: Randomized, controlled studies have documented positive physical and psychological effects of writing about traumatic stress. Some of these studies have shown that individual differences play an important role, with participants responding differently to the intervention based on their personal characteristics. In the present expressive writing experiment, the trait of mindfulness was examined as a potential moderator. Seventy-six undergraduates were randomly assigned to either expressive writing (n = 37) or a control group (n = 39). Main effects favoring expressive writing were found, and these were qualified by significant interactions with mindfulness. Specifically, individuals with higher mindfulness scores responded better to expressive writing, experiencing greater physical and psychological benefits than individuals with lower mindfulness scores.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA. ap839162@albany.edu
authors.forename: Alvin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Poon
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Danoff-Burg
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015987:Effect Modifier, Epidemiologic; D004644:Emotions / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D010551:Personality / Q000502:physiology*; D011581:Psychological Tests; D014956:Writing; D055815:Young Adult