Ohio State University
This study examines whether participating in poetry workshops can improve emotional well-being among patients with chronic digestive symptoms. Many individuals with long-standing digestive conditions experience distress, anxiety, isolation, and difficulty expressing their emotions in clinical settings. These emotional challenges can negatively affect daily life, relationships, and overall health. Poetry writing offers a creative and supportive way for participants to explore their feelings, express their experiences, and build emotional resilience. It also allows individuals to focus on aspects of their identity beyond their illness. The purpose of this research is to evaluate whether poetry workshops can reduce anxiety, lessen feelings of isolation, and strengthen participants' sense of community and well being. 1\. Why is this study being done? The purpose of this research study is to offer a creative outlet for patients to explore their identity and story, build resilience, and seek hope. This study is being done because we understand that the psychological discomfort that can come upon hearing a diagnosis can lead to increased anxiety levels, negatively impacting a patient's well-being and relationships. Often healthcare practitioners may merely view a patient through the lens of their diagnosis, neglecting other aspects of their identity and humanity. Through reading various poems, crafting their own poems, and sharing their work with their peers, we hope the workshops offer a comforting opportunity for the participants to explore their identities and creativity.
Upon hearing a diagnosis, patients can feel overwhelmed and apprehensive as they experience a loss of control over their current state of health. This psychological discomfort combined with often life-threatening symptoms can result in increased anxiety levels in patients. While patient anxiety levels remain a critical issue for investigation, patients diagnosed with illnesses such as cancer often experience a lack of attention from providers towards their psychological wellbeing (Rickett et al. 2011). As a result, patients can feel consumed by their emotions and find difficulty in navigating…
Inclusion Criteria: * • At least 18 years old * Ability to provide informed consent * Able to speak and understand English * Able to attend virtual poetry workshops * Willing to share at least 3 poems at the end of the study with the study team * Have access to a high-speed internet connection and smart phone or computer * Willing to participate in group activity if randomized to the facilitated workshops * At least moderate dyspepsia assessed by the Dyspepsia questionnaire (at least one of the following symptoms with moderate or worse severity- nausea, vomiting, early satiety,…
participants will have the opportunity to craft their own poem and share their art with their fellow participants. This will be facilitated by one of the research team members who will help them craft their own poem.
Participants will receive a written manual that will guide them on how to write poetry. they will receive one manual each week.