Stress Less, Stress Better
March 2, 2025

The Healing Power of Expressive Writing: An Interview with Dr. Jamie Pennebaker

The Healing Power of Expressive Writing: An Interview with Dr. Jamie Pennebaker

The Healing Power of Expressive Writing: An Interview with Dr. Jamie Pennebaker In this enlightening episode, we delve into the transformative world of expressive writing with Dr. Jamie Pennebaker, a leading researcher in the field. Dr. Pennebaker...

The Healing Power of Expressive Writing: An Interview with Dr. Jamie Pennebaker

In this enlightening episode, we delve into the transformative world of expressive writing with Dr. Jamie Pennebaker, a leading researcher in the field.

Dr. Pennebaker recounts the fascinating journey from his initial studies on the impact of journaling on overcoming trauma to the development of the computer program, Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC).

Discover how expressive writing can remarkably improve physical and mental health, the significance of language in understanding emotional states, and practical advice for implementing these insights into daily life.

Whether it's navigating personal hardships or fostering self-awareness, this conversation uncovers the profound benefits of putting thoughts into words.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:31 Discovering the Power of Expressive Writing

03:09 The First Study and Its Impact

06:02 Methodology and Instructions for Expressive Writing

09:48 Health Benefits and Challenges of Expressive Writing

17:07 Exploring Language and Mental Health

39:30 Case Study: Kathleen Folbigg and Text Analysis

43:16 Reflections and Future Outlook

 

Mental Health Resources

Australia:

 * Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au

 * Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au

 * 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 or 1800respect.org.au

 * Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au

 * SANE Australia: 1800 187 263 or sane.org

 

United States:

 * National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE or RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) at rainn.org

 * National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

 * Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

 * The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or nami.org

 * Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or samhsa.gov

 

United Kingdom:

 * National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 or nationaldahelpline.org.uk

 * Rape Crisis England & Wales: 0808 802 9999 or rapecrisis.org.uk

 * Samaritans: 116 123 or samaritans.org

 * Mind: 0300 123 3393 or mind.org.uk

 * Shout Crisis Text Line: Text SHOUT to 85258

 * NHS mental health services: via your GP or the NHS website.