Internet-based expressive writing for kidney transplant recipients: Effects on posttraumatic stress and quality of life

Abstract

Transplantation can be conceptualized as a traumatic stressor that may lead to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and poorer quality of life (QOL). This pilot study examined an Internet-based expressive writing (EW) intervention adapted for kidney transplant recipients with the goal of improving transplant-related PTSD and QOL and general health-related QOL. Forty-eight participants were randomly assigned to EW or medical fact writing conditions. Internet-based EW was found to be feasible, to be safe, and to lead to significantly better transplant-related QOL. Both writing groups showed a decrease in PTSD severity, with the expressive writers demonstrating a trend toward significantly less PTSD arousal symptoms. This pilot study provides initial support for the use of Internet-based EW with medical patients. © The Author(s) 2010.