title: Effect of guided, structured, writing program on self-harm ideations and emotion regulation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study investigated the efficacy of structured writing on reducing self-harm ideations and enhancing emotion regulation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Japanese university students (N=22) participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to the structured writing group (n=10; 70% female), or an assessment only control group (n=12; 67% female). For three consecutive days, participants in the intervention group performed structured writing that included psycho-education and self-reflection about emotions. The Self-Harm Ideation Scale, the Generalized Expectancy for Negative Mood Regulation Scale, and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II were used to assess outcomes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Structured writing had a short-term effect on expectancies for self-regulation of negative moods and acceptance of negative emotions, but had a limited effect on self-harm ideations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study presents preliminary evidence that increasing awareness, learning, and reflection about emotions resulting from using a structured writing program is particularly useful for regulating emotions. J. Med. Invest. 64: 74-78, February, 2017.
authors.affiliation: Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Tokushima University.
authors.forename: Takaki
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Fukumori
authors.forename: Hiromi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kuroda
authors.forename: Masaya
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ito
authors.forename: Masami
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kashimura
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D008297:Male; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D013334:Students; D059020:Suicidal Ideation; D014956:Writing; D055815:Young Adult