22 the rice diet renewal
At our program, Dr. Kitty Klein recently presented a review
of twenty years of expressive writing research, showing that
people who use expressive writing to convey their thoughts
and emotions related to stress and traumatic events enjoy
many long - term gains in wellness. In terms of physical
benefi ts, studies have shown that subjects who use the expres-
sive writing technique for self - communication regarding stress
or trauma have superior immune function and better gen-
eral health. Results show both clinical outcomes: improved
lymphocyte response, as well as reported outcomes — fewer
symptoms, fewer physician visits, and fewer days ’ stay in the
hospital. Psychological effects of expressive writing include
better moods, decreased depression, fewer sleep disturbances,
and improved working memory. Dr. Klein also explained that
in addition to positive health outcomes, writing affects the
fundamental cognitive process.
Following are some long - term benefi ts of expressive
writing.
Health Outcomes
Fewer stress - related visits to the doctor
Improved immune system functioning
Reduced blood pressure
Improved lung function
Improved liver function
Fewer days in the hospital
Improved mood/affect
A feeling of greater psychological well - being
Reduced depressive symptoms before examinations
Fewer post - traumatic intrusion and avoidance symptoms
Reductions in pain and fatigue and improved psycho-
logical well - being in fi bromyalgia patients- • • • • • • • • • •
(continued)