The efficacy of expressive writing intervention: the role of optimism and alexithymia

The beneficial effects on the health of the re-experimentation of traumatic experiences are well-established. The effectiveness of using reexperimentation seems to be affected by certain conditions. Among personal variables that have been shown to influence the recovery of such experiences it has highlighted the optimism and alexithymia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects on mental health of an intervention based on re-experimentation. The sample consisted in a total of 60 participants, of which 40 carried out a process of emotional re-experimentation through three sessions of expressive writing. The rest formed the control group. All participants were evaluated before and after the emotional disclosure in positive and negative affect, anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts and cognitive avoidance. Furthermore, the level of optimism and alexithymia were controlled. The results showed the effectiveness of expressive writing on the positive and negative affect and on depression. Among the covariables, only optimism affected significantly to effect emotional variables. The contextual and personal conditions that can be ameliorated the clinical use of emotional disclosure were discussed.