Increasing the writing productivity of "blocked" academicians

Combining writing block treatments: theory and research

Four traditional formats of treatment for writing blocks (automaticity, regimen, self-control, and social skills training) proved insufficient to maintain unblocking in professorial writers for periods of an academic year. A combined application of the four historically prominent interventions was clearly more effective in terms of stable productivity, manuscripts finished and submitted, and manuscripts accepted for publication. Because writing blocks are too often conceptualized and treated by way of lore, a theory of blocking is proposed that clarifies the fundamental steps in effecting lasting unblocking.

A self-monitoring technique for increasing productivity in multiple media

During the baseline condition the number of lines written on a word processor and the amount of time spent on studio art were recorded. During Phase I self-recording of the number of lines written were graphed. Additional baseline information was obtained concerning the time spent on studio art. In Phase II both the number of lines written and time spent on art were recorded. Treatment effects were maintained at a 10 months follow-up.