Background: Given the high rates of mental health concerns and
communication difficulties for adolescents, a treatment intervention to allow for
effective expression may be therapeutic. One of the leading writing practices is
Pennebaker’s Expressive Writing (EW) intervention. EW involves individuals writing
about their feelings and thoughts regarding negative life experiences. Benefits of EW
include a reduction of psychological symptoms and doctor visits, and better adjustment.
Objective: The objective of this study is to examine the role of using EW and creative
writing as a group intervention for youth admitted to an inpatient psychiatric hospital
(IPH).
Methods: The current study evaluated participant engagement in a 3-day EW activity
facilitated by nurses and graduate students on the IPH unit under the supervision of the
IPH unit nurse manager and course instructor. Participants included 23 youth between
12- and 18-years-old.
Results: Of the 23 participants, 49.69% discussed vivid descriptions of illness, 24.5%
discussed negative emotions, 20.25% included casual explanation, 5.52% discussed
polarized view, and 16.56% discussed their desires, wishes, and goals. The response
rate of clinician’s review of the EW content included 58% of clinician’s coding was on
the patient’s current state, 24% was on causal explanations, and 18% was on treatment
options.
Conclusion: The current EW intervention facilitated by nursing staff and graduate
students in an IPH was found to be engaged by participants and provide an additional
therapeutic resource to participants. EW may foster patient communication with staff
about their functioning, mental health concerns, and treatment needs.