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The Effects of Expressive Writing Interventions for Patients With Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

Pok-Ja Oh1, Soo Hyun Kim2

  • 1Sahmyook University.

Oncology Nursing Forum
|June 18, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Expressive writing (EW) interventions show small effects on cancer symptoms but not psychological or cognitive outcomes. Further research is needed to confirm EW

Area of Science:

  • Oncology Nursing
  • Psychosocial Oncology
  • Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

  • Expressive writing (EW) is a therapeutic technique used to explore emotions and thoughts.
  • Its efficacy in improving outcomes for cancer patients requires rigorous evaluation.
  • Understanding the impact of EW on physical, psychological, and cognitive health is crucial for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically evaluate the effects of expressive writing interventions in patients diagnosed with cancer.
  • To synthesize evidence from randomized and non-randomized trials on EW's impact on cancer patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted across international and Korean databases up to January 2015.
  • A meta-analysis included 14 articles from 20 eligible trials, comprising 1,718 cancer patients.
  • EW interventions were compared against neutral writing or usual care (no writing) control groups.

Main Results:

  • A statistically significant, small effect of EW was observed in alleviating cancer symptoms.
  • No significant effects were found for psychological or cognitive outcomes.
  • Subgroup analysis revealed a significant positive impact on health-related quality of life when compared to usual care.

Conclusions:

  • Expressive writing demonstrates limited but significant effects primarily on cancer symptoms.
  • The current evidence suggests that traditional EW protocols may need enhancement for greater impact in cancer care.
  • While promising, current evidence is not conclusive regarding EW's benefits for physical, psychological, and cognitive outcomes in cancer patients.
Keywords:
cancerexpressed emotionmeta-analysiswriting

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