van Emmerik & Kamphuis (2015) Writing Therapies for Post-Traumatic Stress and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Review of Procedures and Outcomes

Question 1

waar ontstonden de writing therapies

Answer 1

the 1986 Pennebaker writing paradigm: a short writing assigment where individuals describe their deepest thoughts and feelings baout the distressing event, do not discuss with experimenters or clinicians and do not receive advice. was not initially designed as a formal therapy though.

Question 2

three phases of the therapeutic model of writing therapy

Answer 2

1. imaginal exposure to traumatic memories: expose patients to their traumatic memories to promote habituation and extinction of negative emotional responses, by letting them write a detailed description of the traumatic event.
2. cognitive restructuring and coping: patients write their best possible advice how to deal with traumatic event and consequences to an imaginal close associate (that has experienced the same traumatic event). this targets the maladaptive cognitions and coping behaviours
3. social sharing and closure: promote social support by inviting patients to share their experiences in a letter to a close associate. this helps with a sense of closure by completing a symbolic closing ritual.

Question 3

clinicians role in each part

Answer 3

1. reading the essay, identify most distressing elements, explore avoided elements, guide the patient to focus.
2. identify and challenge any dysfunctional aspects, instruct them to apply the advice to themselves
3. check the letter for content, spelling etc. decide whether or not to send, evaluate which closing ritual is fitting.

Question 4

Writing therapy relies on writing (as opposed to talking) about traumatic experiences, which
may involve specific processing mechanisms of these experiences. A study was conducted to see if specific processing mechanisms
showed a difference: But no, writing with and without visual feedback equally reduced intrusion and avoidance symptoms

Answer 4

oke

Question 5

• There are no psychological interventions that can effectively prevent PTSD
• Once present, PTSD can be effectively treated using TF-CBT or EMDR.
• Writing therapy is an alternative treatment option for patients who did not (sufficiently) benefit from TF-CBT or EMDR.
• Since writing therapy can be conducted online, it may be particularly suitable for patients who live in remote areas, work full time, or prefer relative anonymity.
• Standard writing therapy can be effective in as little as 5 weeks.
• Writing therapy appears to be relatively well tolerated by patients and therapists

Answer 5

oke