Therapeutic benefits of expressive writing in an electronic format

Abstract

Expressive writing is recognized as having therapeutic benefits including fewer stress-related visits to the doctor, improved immune system functioning, reduced blood pressure, improved functional status, fewer days in the hospital, feelings of greater psychological well-being, reduced depressive symptoms, fewer posttraumatic intrusion and avoidance symptoms, improved memory and sleep, and faster healing after surgery. Combine this with current popularity of social networking, and there is a formula for improved patient outcomes. © 2009 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.