Date of Award
Spring 5-19-2018
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
MA - Master of Arts
Department
Expressive Therapies
Advisor
Kelvin Ramirez
Abstract
Along with a cultural shift in the United States to advocate against sexual assault, there is an increase in literature suggesting clinical interventions to promote transformation following trauma by sexual assault. Historically, research and clinical application has focused on post-traumatic stress disorder, but there is an increase in literature that encourages clinical intervention following trauma to encourage survivors to intercept symptoms of post-traumatic stress and transform their experience into post-traumatic growth. Journal writing therapy may be an efficient, evidence-based therapeutic technique for encouraging this transformation towards post-traumatic growth.[k1] A review of the literature on writing therapy practice and post-traumatic stress disorder was used to compare and expand upon available literature on journal therapy and post-traumatic growth. Journal writing assists by decreasing symptoms of post-traumatic stress, and promotes a context for post-traumatic growth to occur. Journal writing can be applied to target specific indicators of PTG, including increased social interest, finding meaning in life, and coping skills. Through identifying specific coping skills, reflecting to identify meaning of the traumatic experience, and providing exposure to the trauma, journal therapy encourages transformation through emotional disclosure and present insight.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Creely, Claire, "The Efficacy of Journal Writing in Assisting Survivors of Sexual Trauma towards Post-Traumatic Growth" (2018). Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses. 65.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_theses/65
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