The delayed, durable effect of expressive writing on depression, anxiety and stress: A meta-analytic review of studies with long-term follow-ups

Abstract

Background

Expressive writing is a promising tool to heal the wounds with words.

Aims

This meta-analysis evaluated the current state of efficacy of expressive writing on depression, anxiety and stress symptoms among healthy and subclinical samples.

Materials and Methods

Thirty-one experimental studies (N = 4012) with randomized controlled trials and follow-up assessments were analysed.

Results

Results showed that expressive writing had an overall small but significant effect (Hedges' g = −0.12, 95% CI [−0.21, −0.04]) on reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Change score analyses suggested that the intervention effect emerged after a delay, as evidenced by assessments at follow-up periods. Moderator analyses indicated that the effect sizes varied as a function of one intervention feature: interval. Studies that implemented short intervals (1–3 days) between writing sessions yielded stronger effects (G_diff = −0.18, p = .01) relative to studies that implemented medium intervals (4–7 days) or long intervals (>7 days). The effects of expressive writing remained consistent across other intervention features including focus, instruction, number of sessions, topic repetition and delivery mode.

Discussion

Together, these findings provide evidence for the delayed, durable effect of expressive writing and underscore the importance of scheduling writing sessions at short intervals.

Conclusion

Implications for incorporating expressive writing into clinical practice and daily life are discussed.