Efficacy of expressive writing versus positive writing in different populations: Systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Abstract Aim To evaluate the efficacy of expressive writing (EW) versus positive writing (PW) in different populations focusing on mood, health and writing content and to provide a basis for nurses to carry out the targeted treatment. Design Systematic review and meta‐analysis. Methods This study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. Twelve electronic databases and references from articles were searched. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing EW and PW were included. Statistical analyses were executed using Stata 15.0 software. Results Twenty‐four RCTs and a total of 1558 participants were analysed. The results showed that for the general population, PW was more positive on mood than EW and could offer more changes in cognitive mechanisms. Among patients, although PW was more conducive to generating positive emotions, EW could stimulate cognitive changes more. Nursing staff should clarify the mechanism of PW and EW, combine the advantages of both and implement intervention according to the characteristics of different populations. No Patient or Public Contribution It does not apply to your work because this study is an analysis of published studies and does not involve patients or the public.

Keywords

• cognition
• emotion
• expressive writing
• health
• nursing
• positive writing