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Efe Z, Baldofski S, Kohls E, Eckert M, Saee S, Thomas J, Wundrack R, Rummel-Kluge C. Linguistic Variables and Gender Differences Within a Messenger-Based Psychosocial Chat Counseling Service for Children and Adolescents: Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e51795. [PMID: 38214955 PMCID: PMC10818237 DOI: 10.2196/51795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Text messaging is widely used by young people for communicating and seeking mental health support through chat-based helplines. However, written communication lacks nonverbal cues, and language usage is an important source of information about a person's mental health state and is known to be a marker for psychopathology. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to investigate language usage, and its gender differences and associations with the presence of psychiatric symptoms within a chat counseling service for adolescents and young adults. METHODS For this study, the anonymized chat content of a German messenger-based psychosocial chat counseling service for children and adolescents ("krisenchat") between May 2020 and July 2021 was analyzed. In total, 661,131 messages from 6962 users were evaluated using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count, considering the following linguistic variables: first-person singular and plural pronouns, negations, positive and negative emotion words, insight words, and causation words. Descriptive analyses were performed, and gender differences of those variables were evaluated. Finally, a binary logistic regression analysis examined the predictive value of linguistic variables on the presence of psychiatric symptoms. RESULTS Across all analyzed chats, first-person singular pronouns were used most frequently (965,542/8,328,309, 11.6%), followed by positive emotion words (408,087/8,328,309, 4.9%), insight words (341,460/8,328,309, 4.1%), negations (316,475/8,328,309, 3.8%), negative emotion words (266,505/8,328,309, 3.2%), causation words (241,520/8,328,309, 2.9%), and first-person plural pronouns (499,698/8,328,309, 0.6%). Female users and users identifying as diverse used significantly more first-person singular pronouns and insight words than male users (both P<.001). Negations were significantly more used by female users than male users or users identifying as diverse (P=.007). Similar findings were noted for negative emotion words (P=.01). The regression model of predicting psychiatric symptoms by linguistic variables was significant and indicated that increased use of first-person singular pronouns (odds ratio [OR] 1.05), negations (OR 1.11), and negative emotion words (OR 1.15) was positively associated with the presence of psychiatric symptoms, whereas increased use of first-person plural pronouns (OR 0.39) and causation words (OR 0.90) was negatively associated with the presence of psychiatric symptoms. Suicidality, self-harm, and depression showed the most significant correlations with linguistic variables. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the importance of examining linguistic features in chat counseling contexts. By integrating psycholinguistic findings into counseling practice, counselors may better understand users' psychological processes and provide more targeted support. For instance, certain linguistic features, such as high use of first-person singular pronouns, negations, or negative emotion words, may indicate the presence of psychiatric symptoms, particularly among female users and users identifying as diverse. Further research is needed to provide an in-depth look into language processes within chat counseling services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeki Efe
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sabrina Baldofski
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Kohls
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Richard Wundrack
- Krisenchat gGmbH, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Chair of Personality Psychology, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christine Rummel-Kluge
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
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Harber KD. Why listening to traumatic disclosures sometimes fails and how it can succeed. Curr Opin Psychol 2023; 52:101589. [PMID: 37330361 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic events often launch searches for meaning, which can be advanced through emotional disclosure. Listeners contribute to reparative disclosures by attending to and accepting their content, imagery, feelings, and meanings. However, engaging in such highly attuned "authentic listening" can disrupt listeners' own fundamental beliefs. As a result, listeners can experience secondary traumatization-the intrusive images, negative emotions, and meaning searches that resemble post-traumatic stress. Listeners sometimes avoid these psychic costs by responding defensively to speakers' stories, altering their meaning, or commandeering their expression. However, listening defensively might be reduced, and authentic listening sustained by bolstering listeners' psychosocial resources. Providing listeners with their own disclosure opportunities might be a particularly potent way to do so.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kent D Harber
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers University at Newark, 101 Warren Street, Newark, NJ 07102, United States.
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Fu X, Sun J, Wang X, Cui M, Zhang Q. Research Progress on Influencing Factors and Intervention Measures of Post-traumatic Growth in Breast Cancer Patients. Front Public Health 2022; 10:927370. [PMID: 35801243 PMCID: PMC9253388 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.927370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the highest incidence of female malignant tumor in the world, and it shows an increasing trend year by year. It poses a great threat to women's life and health and has become a public health issue of global concern. Paying attention to the psychological response of cancer patients is of definite value in helping patients cope with the disease, return to society, reshape an active and healthy life, and improve their quality of life with cancer. In recent years, researchers have increasingly focused on the positive changes experienced by cancer patients from the perspective of positive psychology, namely post-traumatic growth. It is of great significance to explore individual and social resources to help patients grow and improve their survival ability and quality of life by paying attention to the potential resources and positive forces in the process of patients' fighting against diseases. This paper summarizes the influencing factors and intervention measures of post-traumatic growth of breast cancer patients, providing ideas and reference for clinical medical staff to carry out relevant intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Breast Oncology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, China
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Swart J, Janeke C. Investigating the influence of expressive writing exercises on the working memory of middle adolescents and young adults in South Africa. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/00812463211043450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the influence of expressive writing on the working memory capacity of middle adolescents (learners 15–17 years old) and young adults (students 18–24 years old) in the South African context. The assumption underlying the research was that expressive writing about a stressful event would reduce unwanted thoughts and the resultant demand on cognitive resources, thereby increasing working memory capacity. Two experiments were conducted involving a sample of 28 school learners and a sample of 38 university students. In each experiment, the participants were assigned to three writing conditions: a factual event for the control group and either just a stressful event, or a solution to a stressful event, for the two experimental groups. It was postulated that the solution-focused group would gain the most from the expressive writing tasks. Working memory capacity assessments were conducted before and after the expressive writing intervention and again about 14 weeks later to test for a long-term effect on working memory capacity. A positive effect was found regarding the working memory capacity of the students, but there was no statistically significant improvement in the working memory capacity of the learners. Furthermore, although the results of the student groups did indicate that an expressive writing intervention may enhance working memory capacity, this effect was not mostly restricted to the solution-focused experimental groups as was hypothesised. Instead, the results suggested that expressive writing exercises may have had a positive effect on the memory performance of all three groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonita Swart
- Department of Psychology, University of South Africa (Unisa), South Africa
| | - Chris Janeke
- Department of Psychology, University of South Africa (Unisa), South Africa
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Vanaken L, Vanderveren E, Waters TEA, Bijttebier P, Fivush R, Hermans D. It's all in the details: An investigation of the subcomponents of narrative coherence in relation to mental health. APPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/acp.3859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lauranne Vanaken
- Centre for the Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
| | - Elien Vanderveren
- Centre for the Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience Maastricht University Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Theodore E. A. Waters
- Department of Psychology New York University – Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates
| | - Patricia Bijttebier
- School Psychology and Development in Context, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
| | - Robyn Fivush
- Institute for the Liberal Arts Emory University Atlanta Georgia USA
| | - Dirk Hermans
- Centre for the Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
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Vanaken L, Smeets T, Bijttebier P, Hermans D. Keep Calm and Carry On: The Relations Between Narrative Coherence, Trauma, Social Support, Psychological Well-Being, and Cortisol Responses. Front Psychol 2021; 12:558044. [PMID: 33643119 PMCID: PMC7905304 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.558044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to explain trauma resilience, previous research has been investigating possible risk and protective factors, both on an individual and a contextual level. In this experimental study, we examined narrative coherence and social support in relation to trauma resilience. Participants were asked to write about a turning point memory, after which they did the Maastricht Acute Stress Test, our lab analog of a traumatic event. Following, half of the participants received social support, whereas the other half did not. Afterwards, all participants wrote a narrative on the traumatic event. Moment-to-moment fluctuations in psychological and physiological well-being throughout the experiment were investigated with state anxiety questionnaires and cortisol measures. Results showed that narratives of traumatic experiences were less coherent than narratives of turning point memories. However, contrary to our predictions, coherence, and, in particular, thematic coherence, related positively to anxiety levels. Possibly, particular types of thematic coherence are a non-adaptive form of coping, which reflect unfinished attempts at meaning-making and are more similar to continuous rumination than to arriving at a resolution. Furthermore, coherence at baseline could not buffer against the impact of trauma on anxiety levels in this study. Contrary to our hypotheses, social support did not have the intended beneficial effects on coherence, neither on well-being. Multiple explanations as to why our support manipulation remained ineffective are suggested. Remarkably, lower cortisol levels at baseline and after writing about the turning point memory predicted higher coherence in the trauma narratives. This may suggest that the ability to remain calm in difficult situations does relate to the ability to cope adaptively with future difficult experiences. Clinical and social implications of the present findings are discussed, and future research recommendations on the relations between narrative coherence, social support, and trauma resilience are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauranne Vanaken
- Centre for the Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tom Smeets
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
| | - Patricia Bijttebier
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, School Psychology and Development in Context, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dirk Hermans
- Centre for the Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Vanaken L, Bijttebier P, Hermans D. I like you better when you are coherent. Narrating autobiographical memories in a coherent manner has a positive impact on listeners' social evaluations. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232214. [PMID: 32353027 PMCID: PMC7192457 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We all have stories to tell. The stories that prevail in our conversations frequently concern significant past personal experiences and are accordingly based on autobiographical memory retrieval and sharing. This is in line with the social function of autobiographical memory, which embodies the idea that we share memories with others to develop and maintain social relationships. However, the successful fulfilment of this social function is dependent on phenomenological properties of the memory, which are highly inter-individually different. One important individual difference is memory coherence, operationalized as narrative coherence. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of memory coherence on the social evaluations of listeners. We hypothesized that being incoherent in the sharing of autobiographical memories, would evoke more negative social evaluations from listeners, in comparison to coherently sharing autobiographical memories. METHODS In a within-subject experimental study, 96 participants listened to four pre-recorded audio clips in which the speaker narrated about an autobiographical experience, in either a coherent or an incoherent manner. RESULTS Results were in line with our hypotheses. Participants showed more willingness to interact, more instrumental support, more positive feelings, more empathy and more trust towards those narrators who talked in a coherent manner about their autobiographical memories, as compared to those that talked in an incoherent manner. Negative feelings in the listener were evoked when the speaker talked incoherently, but especially when it concerned a positive memory. DISCUSSION Results can be explained in terms of a reduction in the attraction effect when effortful processing is increased, which is in line with the dual processing theory of impression formation. Another explanation involves the idea that coherence is necessary to establish truthfulness in communication. The clinical relevance of these findings is further illustrated in light of the relation between social support and psychological well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauranne Vanaken
- Centre for the Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Dirk Hermans
- Centre for the Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Affiliation(s)
- David Purnell
- Department of Liberal Studies, Penfield College of Mercer University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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9
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Effects of expressive writing and use of cognitive words on meaning making and post-traumatic Growth. JOURNAL OF PACIFIC RIM PSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1017/prp.2018.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Expressive writing can enhance cognitive processing and improve stress regulation. Particularly, the use of cognitive words (i.e., insightful and causal words) in writing may be associated with the process of meaning making and promotion of post-traumatic growth (PTG). The aim of the present study was to determine how expressive writing and the use of causal and insightful cognitive words influenced meaning making and PTG during writing. In total, 52 traumatized university students were recruited and randomly assigned to one of two writing conditions involving either an expressive writing task or a neutral writing task. The results showed that participants who engaged in expressive (vs. neutral) writing showed higher scores on the presence of meaning and PTG in the post-writing, self-report questionnaires. Moreover, writing task (expressive or neutral) and frequency of causal and insightful cognitive words were both significant predictors of meaning, which in turn led to high levels of PTG. In conclusion, the use of causal and insightful words might be a fundamental cognitive process for developing meaning in writing, which is essential for our further understanding of meaning making and PTG.
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Firpo-Perretti YM, Cohen MH, Weber KM, Brody LR. Past, present or future? Word tense and affect in autobiographical narratives of women with HIV in relation to health indicators. J Behav Med 2018; 41:875-889. [PMID: 29938385 PMCID: PMC6209518 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-018-9944-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study examined how the expression of positive and negative affect words and word tense in autobiographical narratives of 98 HIV+ women, predominantly African American, predicted undetectable HIV viral load (UDVL), CD4+ cells/mm3 counts and antiretroviral therapy medication (ART) adherence assessed concurrently (T1) and at 3 to 9-month follow-up (T2). Logistic regressions revealed that higher past tense words predicted worse odds of UDVL, CD4+ cells/mm3 above 350 at T1, and worse odds of 95% ART adherence at T2. However, using both high past tense words and high positive affect words predicted better odds of CD4+ cells/mm3 > 350 at T2. Higher future tense words predicted better odds of CD4+ cells/mm3 > 350 at T1. Additionally, using both high present tense words and negative affect words predicted better odds of UDVL at T1. These findings provide preliminary evidence that the quality of affect expression significantly interacts with temporal context to relate to the health of women with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudelki M Firpo-Perretti
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 648 Beacon Street, Room 227, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - Mardge H Cohen
- Cook County Health and Hospitals System, Hektoen Institute of Medicine, 2225 W. Harrison, Suite B, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kathleen M Weber
- Cook County Health and Hospitals System, Hektoen Institute of Medicine, 2225 W. Harrison, Suite B, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Leslie R Brody
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 648 Beacon Street, Room 227, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
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Himmelstein P, Barb S, Finlayson MA, Young KD. Linguistic analysis of the autobiographical memories of individuals with major depressive disorder. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207814. [PMID: 30475918 PMCID: PMC6258120 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by biases in memory, attention, and cognition. The present study utilized the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) to examine the content of specific autobiographical memories (AMs) recalled by individuals with MDD during an autobiographical memory task. Methods We examined various features of the text (including use of affective, cognitive, and self-referential terms), as well as their associations with clinical and cognitive features of MDD (depression severity, autobiographical memory specificity, amygdala activity), in 45 unmedicated adults with MDD compared to 61 healthy controls. Results When recalling positive memories MDD individuals used the word “I” less, fewer positive words, more words indicating present focus (present tense verbs), and fewer words overall to describe memories compared to controls. When recalling negative memories, MDD individuals used “I” more, more words indicating present focus, and more words overall to describe memories relative to controls. Depression severity was correlated with word count, the use of “I”, and words indicating present focus in negative memories and inversely correlated with word count and the use of “I” in positive memories. Autobiographical memory specificity was correlated with word count, the use of “I”, and words indicating present focus for positive memories and inversely correlated with the use of “I” and words indicating present focus for negative memories. Limitations Due to the nature of AM recall, we could not control for the number of memories which participants recalled in each mnemonic category. Conclusions Results align with literature implicating rumination and intensive self-focus in depression and suggest that interventions targeting specific word use may be therapeutically beneficial in the treatment of MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Himmelstein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Scott Barb
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Mark A Finlayson
- School of Computing and Information Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Kymberly D Young
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
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Miao M, Gan Y. How does meaning in life predict proactive coping? The self-regulatory mechanism on emotion and cognition. J Pers 2018; 87:579-592. [PMID: 29999537 DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined the effectiveness of a photographic intervention method on meaning in life (MIL) and further investigated the self-regulatory mechanism responsible for the effect of MIL in the promotion of proactive coping. METHOD Participants were 145 Chinese adults (Mage = 27.82; 71.3% female), who were randomly assigned into one of three conditions: An intervention (taking photos and writing expressively), a taking-photos-only control, or an assessment-only control. MIL, positive affect, future temporal focus, and proactive coping were measured before and after the intervention, with follow-up assessments conducted 1 week and 1 month later. Additionally, daily assessments were conducted during the intervention week. RESULTS MIL improved daily in the intervention condition, an effect that was also found post-intervention and at follow-up. Significant increases in positive affect, future temporal focus, and proactive coping were also observed after the intervention. Hierarchical linear modeling demonstrated that daily MIL positively predicted daily future temporal focus and positive affect. Furthermore, longitudinal mediation analysis confirmed that future temporal focus and positive affect mediated the relationship between MIL and proactive coping. CONCLUSIONS MIL's self-regulatory mechanism is reflected in both cognitive (future temporal focus) and emotional (positive affect) dimensions, which promotes proactive coping with future stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Miao
- School of Sociology, China University of Political Science and Law.,School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences and Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health
| | - Yiqun Gan
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences and Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health
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Fivush R, Booker JA, Graci ME. Ongoing Narrative Meaning-Making Within Events and Across the Life Span. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/0276236617733824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Individuals create meaning from the events in their lives, and the ways in which they do this has important implications for identity and well-being. We argue that this is a deeply developmental process. Narrative meaning-making consists of a set of developmentally acquired skills and abilities such that individuals are capable of different forms of meaning creation at different developmental periods. Further, narrative meaning-making emerges differentially across days, weeks, months, and years after an experience, and this event processing takes place within ongoing developmental change. Narrating life experiences both reflects and creates modes of meaning-making in a complex, reciprocal system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn Fivush
- Fox Center for Humanistic Inquiry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jordan A. Booker
- Fellowships in Research and Science Teaching Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Bourassa KJ, Manvelian A, Boals A, Mehl MR, Sbarra DA. Tell Me a Story: The Creation of Narrative as a Mechanism of Psychological Recovery Following Marital Separation. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1521/jscp.2017.36.5.359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Clinton V, Carlson SE, Seipel B. Linguistic Markers of Inference Generation While Reading. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLINGUISTIC RESEARCH 2016; 45:553-574. [PMID: 25833811 DOI: 10.1007/s10936-015-9360-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Words can be informative linguistic markers of psychological constructs. The purpose of this study is to examine associations between word use and the process of making meaningful connections to a text while reading (i.e., inference generation). To achieve this purpose, think-aloud data from third-fifth grade students ([Formula: see text]) reading narrative texts were hand-coded for inferences. These data were also processed with a computer text analysis tool, Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count, for percentages of word use in the following categories: cognitive mechanism words, nonfluencies, and nine types of function words. Findings indicate that cognitive mechanisms were an independent, positive predictor of connections to background knowledge (i.e., elaborative inference generation) and nonfluencies were an independent, negative predictor of connections within the text (i.e., bridging inference generation). Function words did not provide unique variance towards predicting inference generation. These findings are discussed in the context of a cognitive reflection model and the differences between bridging and elaborative inference generation. In addition, potential practical implications for intelligent tutoring systems and computer-based methods of inference identification are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Clinton
- University of North Dakota, 319 Harvard St., Grand Forks, ND, 58202, USA.
- University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Sarah E Carlson
- Center for Teaching and Learning, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
| | - Ben Seipel
- California State University, Chico, Chico, CA, USA
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Abe JAA. A longitudinal follow-up study of happiness and meaning-making. JOURNAL OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2015.1117129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Cox K. Meaning Making in the Life Story, and Not Coherence or Vividness, Predicts Well-Being up to 3 Years Later: Evidence From High Point and Low Point Stories. IDENTITY 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/15283488.2015.1089508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Habermas T, Reese E. Getting a Life Takes Time: The Development of the Life Story in Adolescence, Its Precursors and Consequences. Hum Dev 2015. [DOI: 10.1159/000437245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Boals A, Valentine LM, Beike DR. Gaining Insight into Insight: Do Insights into Stressful Life Experiences have to be Correct to be Beneficial? JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2015. [DOI: 10.1521/jscp.2015.34.6.476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Banks JB, Welhaf MS, Srour A. The protective effects of brief mindfulness meditation training. Conscious Cogn 2015; 33:277-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2015.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Revised: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Travagin G, Margola D, Revenson TA. How effective are expressive writing interventions for adolescents? A meta-analytic review. Clin Psychol Rev 2015; 36:42-55. [PMID: 25656314 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2015.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Revised: 01/04/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
This meta-analysis evaluated the effects of the expressive writing intervention (EW; Pennebaker & Beall, 1986) among adolescents. Twenty-one independent studies that assessed the efficacy of expressive writing on youth samples aged 10-18 ears were collected and analyzed. Results indicated an overall mean g-effect size that was positive in direction but relatively small (0.127), as well as significant g-effect sizes ranging from 0.107 to 0.246 for the outcome domains of Emotional Distress, Problem Behavior, Social Adjustment, and School Participation. Few significant effects were found within specific outcome domains for putative moderator variables that included characteristics of the participants, intervention instructions, or research design. Studies involving adolescents with high levels of emotional problems at baseline reported larger effects on school performance. Studies that implemented a higher dosage intervention (i.e., greater number and, to some extent, greater spacing of sessions) reported larger effects on somatic complaints. Overall, the findings suggest that expressive writing tends to produce small yet significant improvements on adolescents' well-being. The findings highlight the importance of modifying the traditional expressive writing protocol to enhance its efficacy and reduce potential detrimental effects. At this stage of research the evidence on expressive writing as a viable intervention for adolescents is promising but not decisive.
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Boals A. The Use of Meaning Making in Expressive Writing: When Meaning is Beneficial. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2012. [DOI: 10.1521/jscp.2012.31.4.393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Arntz A, Hawke LD, Bamelis L, Spinhoven P, Molendijk ML. Changes in natural language use as an indicator of psychotherapeutic change in personality disorders. Behav Res Ther 2012; 50:191-202. [PMID: 22317755 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2011.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2011] [Revised: 12/20/2011] [Accepted: 12/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Word use has been shown to reflect various psychological processes and psychological change. This study examines the self-view in personality disorders (PDs) and its change over the course of therapy using the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count analysis procedure. A sample of 299 participants with PDs and 108 community control participants wrote short essays about their lives. Patients repeated the assignment three times over two years and completed assessments of PD-pathology, general psychopathology, PD-beliefs, and quality of life. Results show that as hypothesized the use of words in the 1st Person Singular Pronouns, Negative Emotion, Causation, Past and Future Tense Verbs categories significantly declines over the course of treatment, while the use of Present Tense Verbs and Positive Emotion increases. These categories tend to distinguish patients from non-patients prior to treatment. We also found 12 additional word categories changing over time, including Word Count and Negations. Change in word use statistically predicts better treatment outcome on all outcome measures (p < .001). Reductions in the use of Negative Emotion Words and Negations are the strongest predictors of outcome. The non-hypothesized role of Negations was explored and seemed to reflect that PD-patients miss a lot in their lives. Reduction of what they miss seems central to recovery. This issue seems relatively neglected in theoretical and treatment models of PDs. An increased focus on what patients miss in their lives might improve our understanding and treatment of PDs. In sum, Negative Emotion and Negation word categories appear to reflect key treatment targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnoud Arntz
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Maastricht University, P O Box 616, NL 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Boals A, Banks JB, Hathaway LM, Schuettler D. Coping with Stressful Events: Use of Cognitive Words in Stressful Narratives and the Meaning-Making Process. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2011. [DOI: 10.1521/jscp.2011.30.4.378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Les effets de l’écriture expressive sur la santé physique et psychologique des rédacteurs : un bilan, des perspectives de recherches. EUROPEAN REVIEW OF APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY-REVUE EUROPEENNE DE PSYCHOLOGIE APPLIQUEE 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.erap.2010.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Knowles ED, Wearing JR, Campos B. Culture and the Health Benefits of Expressive Writing. SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERSONALITY SCIENCE 2011. [DOI: 10.1177/1948550610395780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Expressive writing, in which individuals put their thoughts and feelings about traumatic events into words, can benefit physical health by fostering insight into the personal meaning of stressful experiences. The authors predicted that expressive writing would neither increase insight nor reduce symptoms of illness among Asian Americans, whose culture deemphasizes the act of verbalization in meaning making. In the present study, European and Asian American participants were randomly assigned to write about either their worst traumas or trivial topics on each of 4 consecutive days. Illness symptoms were assessed immediately before and 1 month after the writing sessions. European Americans who wrote about trauma increased their use of insight words over the four sessions and reported fewer illness symptoms a month later. However, neither effect obtained for Asian Americans. The cultural difference in health outcomes was mediated by European Americans' greater tendency to glean insight from the task.
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