The Impact of Expressive Emotional Writing on Facilitating Grief Resolution in Adults With Spinal Cord Injury
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Summary
The aim of this study is to evaluate the therapeutic benefits of a 10-week online coach-guided EEWP on psychosocial health among adults with SCI.
Description
Paralysis in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to grief from the loss of physical capacity, social or occupational role function, and life goals. Expressive emotional writing (EEW) provides an outlet for these individuals to explore and express feelings and emotions that arise from their losses related to limb paralysis. Using a randomized controlled trial design, the proposed project will attempt to confirm the benefits of an online coach-guided EEW program for improving psychosocial health among adults with SCI. Benefits of participating in the program will be evaluated using valida…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: (1) diagnosis (with evidence) of SCI (traumatic or non-traumatic) with limb weakness; (2) aged \> 18 years; (3) access to the internet and a computer or to a smartphone that can perform videoconferencing, (4) sufficient English language and cognitive proficiency to complete self-report study questionnaires and understand program content in English, and able to communicate verbally or through writing. \- Exclusion Criteria: (1) severe cognitive impairments that prevent online learning and completion of the evaluation; (2) suicidal intent requiring emergency care; (3) consi…
Interventions
- Behavioralexpressive writing
A typical session will begin with the teaching artist (i.e., writing coach) introducing a new writing theme. Participants will have at least 20 minutes to write, and each session will include post-writing reflections and sharing, an undirected supportive interaction among participants.
Location
- University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham, Alabama