On Time-Limited Writing Therapy

Abstract

A study was made of 6 undergraduate men and 11 women who volunteered to writing therapy on a time-limited basis, instead of oral, face-to-face therapy, for which they were paid. Pre- and posttest evaluations included the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, the Edwards Personal Preference Schedule, self-ratings, and ratings of the writing therapy protocols by judges. Results showed reliable gains on the former inventory in terms of less “serious” pathology and more social assertiveness, on the latter test results showed more posttesting interest in achievement, change, heterosexual relationships and more assertive tendencies. Protocol evaluations by the judges indicated client gains in confidence and in problem-solving efforts; clients' self-ratings showed favorable reactions to therapy. The economy of writing as a therapeutic method was demonstrated in terms of words written each session by clients and therapists.