Ayers2018_Article_EvaluationOfExpressiveWritingF.pdf (503.52 kB)
Evaluation of expressive writing for postpartum health: a randomised controlled trial
Version 2 2023-06-12, 08:54
Version 1 2023-06-09, 13:21
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-12, 08:54 authored by Susan Ayers, Rosalind Crawley, Susan Button, Alexandra Thornton, Andy FieldAndy Field, Chris Flood, Suzanne Lee, Andrew Eagle, Robert Bradley, Donna Moore, Gill Gyte, Helen SmithPregnancy, birth and adjusting to a new baby is a potentially stressful time that can negatively affect the health of women. There is some evidence that expressive writing can have positive effects on psychological and physical health, particularly during stressful periods. The current study aimed to evaluate whether expressive writing would improve women’s postpartum health. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with three conditions: expressive writing (n=188), a control writing task (n=213), or normal care (n=163). Measures of psychological health, physical health and quality of life were measured at baseline (6-12 weeks postpartum), 1 month and 6 months later. Ratings of stress were taken before and after the expressive writing task. Intent-to-treat analyses showed no significant differences between women in the expressive writing, control writing and normal care groups on measures of physical health, anxiety, depression, mood or quality of life at 1 and 6 months. Uptake and adherence to the writing tasks was low. However, women in the expressive writing group rated their stress as significantly reduced after completing the task. Cost analysis suggest women who did expressive writing had the lowest costs in terms of healthcare service use and lowest cost per unit of improvement in quality of life. Results suggest expressive writing is not effective as a universal intervention for all women 6-12 weeks postpartum. Future research should examine expressive writing as a targeted intervention for women in high-risk groups, such as those with mild or moderate depression, and further examine cost-effectiveness.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
Journal of Behavioral MedicineISSN
0160-7715Publisher
Springer VerlagExternal DOI
Issue
5Volume
41Page range
614-626Department affiliated with
- Psychology Publications
Research groups affiliated with
- Centre for Innovation and Research in Childhood and Youth Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2018-05-18First Open Access (FOA) Date
2018-11-28First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2018-05-17Usage metrics
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