Pennebaker et al., 1988: Describing traumatic experiences improved immune function and reduced doctor visits among undergraduates over 6 weeks
Reference:
Pennebaker, J. W., Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K., & Glaser, R. (1988). Disclosure of traumas and immune function: Health implications for psychotherapy. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 56(2), 239.
Download PDFSummary:
Asking undergraduates to describe their “deepest thoughts and feelings” about “the most traumatic and upsetting experiences of your entire life” for 20 minutes/day on four consecutive days improved measures of immune system function and reduced doctor visits and subject distress over six weeks, as compared to writing about trivial topics. There was no effect on self-reported physical symptoms.
Psychological Process:
What Desired Meaning is At Stake?
What is the Person Trying to Understand?
Selves (My Own and Others')Approach to Desired Meaning
What about it?
Changing beliefs about emotions, states, and the valence of the self-conceptHow?
Psychological Question Addressed
Are negative past emotions, states, and experiences ongoing and undermining?Are negative past emotions, states, and experiences ongoing and undermining?Psychological Question Addressed
Are negative past emotions, states, and experiences ongoing and undermining?Psychological Process 2:
Psychological Process 3:
Social Area:
Health; Well-being
Intervention Technique:
Active reflection, on negative experiences