Effects of Directed Written Disclosure on Grief and Distress Symptoms Among Bereaved Individuals

Abstract

Bereavement-specific written disclosure trials have generally demonstrated null effects, but these studies have not directed the focus of writing. This randomized controlled trial compared directed writing that focused on either sense-making or benefit-finding, both associated with adjustment to loss, to traditional, non-directed emotional disclosure and a control condition. Bereaved undergraduates (n = 68) completed three 20-min writing sessions over 1 week. Intervention effects were found on prolonged grief disorder, depressive, and posttraumatic stress symptoms 3 months postintervention, and the benefit-finding condition appeared particularly efficacious. Physical health improved over time in all treatment groups. Findings suggested that directing written disclosure on topics associated with adjustment to bereavement may be useful for grieving individuals.

Notes

Note. p values for statistical tests (F or χ²) of differences between all four conditions (ED, BF, SM, CC).

Note. Unadjusted means presented. No statistically significant between-groups differences were found at T2 or T3, adjusting for relevant covariates (ps > .10). ICG–R-SF = Inventory of Complicated Grief–Revised-Short Form. CES-D = Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale. PCL-C = Posttraumatic Stress Checklist-Civilian Version. PHI = Physical Health Index.