Randomized controlled trial assessing the efficacy of expressive writing in reducing anxiety in first-year college students: the role of linguistic features

Abstract

Objective

Meta-analyses assessing the efficacy of expressive writing (EW) interventions have produced mixed results. The current study aimed to assess the efficacy of an EW intervention in the reduction of anxiety symptoms in first-year college students. In an effort to understand more about moderating variables that influence EW outcomes, the current study also assessed the role of linguistic features in symptom reduction.

Design and measures

Ninety participants were assigned to complete either an EW intervention or a non-emotional writing intervention. Participants completed 3 consecutive days of writing and two follow-up visits. Anxiety was measured at each study visit with the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and linguistic features were assessed with the LIWC software program.

Results

Results indicated that all participants demonstrated significant decreases in anxiety over time. Participants in the EW group who demonstrated the greatest decreases in anxiety utilized more first-person singular pronouns and fewer affect words.

Conclusions

Results are explained in the context of two prominent theories regarding the therapeutic mechanisms of EW: cognitive processing theory and exposure theory. Exposure theory received more support than cognitive processing theory.

Keywords:

• Expressive writing
• anxiety
• college students
• linguistic analysis
• linguistic features

Disclosure statement

We have no known conflict of interest to disclose.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, Sarah Robertson, upon reasonable request.