Implementing expressive writing therapy in a virtual setting: A feasibility trial for survivors of intimate partner violence

Abstract

Survivors of intimate partner violence commonly experience posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and associated negative emotions. Pennebaker’s Expressive Writing Therapy (EWT) was applied in an online virtual setting to survivors of intimate partner violence. The study aimed to assess the program’s feasibility and acceptability, and to examine its effects on participants’ traumatic affects, self-esteem, and cognitive emotion regulation (CER). We employed a one-group pre- and post-test design, measuring outcomes at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at a four-week follow-up. The implementation of EWT proved feasible; however, we encountered some cultural challenges, possibly influenced by the current sociocultural environment in South Korea. Notably, there was a significant reduction in negative CER, especially in self-blame and catastrophizing.