Why performed: Knowledge that one has a serious illness, such as cancer, is stressful because of the uncertainty it may bring. Additionally, the gravity of medical procedures and physical and emotional experiences one may endure to treat the illness may also be inherently stressful. Journaling may allow individuals to experience decreased stress via feelings of relief through connecting with others or their own experience, increased insight, increased private expression, or feelings of personal cohesion or wholeness resulting from writing about their experience. Stress management approaches such as journaling are especially useful for individuals who may not be able to participate in other stress-relieving activities or to take stress-relieving medications. It is also a low-cost technique that can be implemented almost anywhere.
Patient preparation: Clients using a simple paper diary or computer to write a journal need little preparation. Clients are instructed to write at a regular time or when experiencing any symptoms, reactions, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings that may be important to their condition and treatment. They may also need instruction about how long to spend writing, how to do free writing (writing whatever comes to mind without self-censorship), or how to handle emotional responses that may arise while writing. For those wishing to develop blogs, they may need instruction about how to create a blog, as well as information about privacy limitations.
Steps of the procedure: Clients are given tools to write (such as paper and pencil or a computer). They are then told to write on a regular basis or when having certain experiences. The writing is then kept for a period decided by the client, provider, or both.
After the procedure: Clients generally experience stress relief. They may review what they have written on one or more occasions to gain personal insights. They may also share this information with a therapist or significant others for discussion or share it with individuals who have similar conditions in order to foster a sense of group support.
Risks: Journaling does not contain any inherent risks beyond what may come from frequent writing; increased personal awareness of one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; or from publicly sharing personal information with others.
Results: Clients may experience a sense of stress relief, well-being, or personal cohesion; they may also experience greater social support if what they write is shared and stimulates responses in others.
Bibliography
Corder, Shirley. Strength Renewed: Meditations for Your Journey through Breast Cancer. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2012. Print.
Evans, John Frank. Wellness and Writing Connections: Writing for Better Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Health. Enumclaw: Idyll Arbor, 2010. Print.
Ferguson, Elaine R. Superhealing: Engaging Your Mind, Body, and Spirit to Create Optimal Health and Well-Being. Deerfield Beach: Health, 2013. Print.
Le Navenec, Carole-Lynne, and Laurel Bridges. Creating Connections between Nursing Care and the Creative Arts Therapies: Expanding the Concept of Holistic Care. Springfield: Thomas, 2005. Digital file.
Rakel, David. Integrative Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier Saunders, 2012. Print.
Thompson, Janet. Dear God, They Say It’s Cancer: A Companion Guide for Women on the Breast Cancer Journey. New York: Howard, 2014. Print.
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