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Expressive writing reduces avoidance and somatic complaints in a community sample with constraints on expression
Thomas Swanbon1, Lindsay Boyce, Melanie A Greenberg
1Alliant International University, California, USA.
British Journal of Health Psychology
|January 31, 2008
Summary
Expressive writing (EW) helps gay men reduce avoidance and physical symptoms. This stress-buffering effect supports inhibition theory for stigmatized groups.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Social constraints on self-expression can impact mental and physical health.
- Stigmatized groups may experience chronic stress due to societal pressures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness of expressive writing (EW) in a community sample of gay men facing social constraints.
- To examine if EW can reduce gay-related avoidance and buffer stress-related physical symptoms.
Main Methods:
- An experimental study with 62 gay men randomly assigned to either expressive writing (EW) or objective writing (CTRL).
- Assessment of self-reported symptoms and physician visits at baseline, 1-month, and 2-month follow-ups.
Main Results:
- A significant GroupxTime interaction for somatic symptoms indicated a buffering effect of EW.
- Expressive writing significantly reduced gay-related avoidance compared to the control group.
- Changes in avoidance and symptom levels were positively associated.
Conclusions:
- Expressive writing effectively reduces chronic avoidance in stigmatized individuals.
- EW acts as a buffer against stress-related physical symptoms, consistent with inhibition theory.
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