The effect of a trauma-based writing therapy program
Abstract
I present longitudinal results of a traumafocused writing therapy program that consisted of 5 sessions through 5 weeks. The program was based on the Pennebaker paradigm of expressive writing. Writing instructions included thinking about the purpose of life, following the concept of logotherapy. 81 prisoners completed the program. Results showed that by the end of the program (after 5 weeks) participants’ depression and anxiety decreased significantly, and their purposes in life increased. These positive psychological effects did not emerge after 10 weeks, thus I propose to develop the program in order to maintain long-term positive outcomes. The use of evidence-based therapeutic methods contributes to the successful reintegration of prisoners.
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