Efficacy of Narrative Writing as an Intervention for PTSD: Does the Evidence Support Its Use?

Denise M. Sloan, Alice T. Sawyer, Sara E. Lowmaster, Jeremy Wernick, Brian P. Marx

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

30 Scopus citations

Abstract

Although a number of effective psychotherapies for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are available, there is a need to develop alternative treatments for those who may not respond optimally to these treatments or who may not have access to clinicians who can competently deliver them. Narrative writing, which involves repeated recounting about a traumatic event in writing, is one treatment that deserves further examination as a potential alternative. In this paper, we describe the most commonly used narrative writing treatment protocols for those with either a diagnosis of PTSD or probable PTSD and discuss the available efficacy data for each of these protocols. We conclude with recommendations for using narrative writing to treat those with PTSD and offer recommendations for future work in this area.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)215-225
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Contemporary Psychotherapy
Volume45
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2015
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Narrative writing
  • PTSD
  • Psychotherapy
  • Trauma

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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