Therapeutic Writing: Research

"This work investigates the relationship between writing and trauma, examines how we process difficult experiences and how writing can help us to integrate them, and provides a pedagogy to deal with the difficult life stories."

Essays by and for writing teachers working in settings exploring pain, grief and healing through writing. Available through the Massachusetts Public Library system, can arrange for pickup at the Jones Public Library in Amherst.

"This book presents astonishing evidence that personal self-disclosure is not only good for our emotional health, but boosts our physical health as well. Psychologist James W. Pennebaker has conducted controlled clinical research that sheds new light on the powerful mind body connection."

Van der Kolk's book is one of the foundational works on trauma and the brain. While it may not cover Expressive Writing explicitly, it provides a solid understanding of the mechanisms of trauma, and provides clarity why writing is successful in reorganizing a fractured narrative.

The Writing Cure presents groundbreaking research on the cognitive, emotional, and biological pathways through which disclosure and expressive writing influences mental and physical health.
Also available as an electronic resource through the 5 College Library.

“Following expressive writing, participants reported significantly less anger and tension, as well as a trend towards less depression...This study presents evidence that expressive writing is feasible, appears generally safe to use, and provides some circumscribed benefit for individuals with PTSD. (p.90-91)"