The effect of expressive writing intervention on psychological and physical health outcomes in cancer patients--a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of expressive writing intervention (EWI) for improving psychological and physical health in cancer patients and survivors.

Methods

We searched databases and existing reviews for randomized controlled studies published between 1986 and 2014 that evaluated the effects of EWI on psychological and physical health outcomes. We computed and combined effect sizes and examined the role of methodological characteristics.

Results

From 223 unique citations, we identified 16 independent randomized controlled trials published from 1999 to 2014, examining the effect of EWI on a range of psychological and physical health outcomes. No statistically significant effects were found for any of the individual or combined psychologic

SUBMITTER: Zachariae R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6680178 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature