Implementing Expressive Writing Therapy in a Virtual Setting: A Feasibility Trial for Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

Survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) commonly experience posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and associated negative emotions. In this study, we tested Pennebaker’s Expressive Writing Therapy (EWT) in survivors of IPV in an online virtual setting. We aimed to determine the program’s feasibility and acceptability and examine its impact on their traumatic affects, self-esteem, and cognitive emotion regulation (CER). We assessed the feasibility and acceptability of the program by evaluating technical and cultural issues, participant ratings, their writing content, and program adherence. A one-group pre- and post-test design was used to examine the program’s impact. Participants underwent 5 days of EWT via virtual conferencing software. Outcomes were measured at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at a 4-week follow-up, focusing on participants’ levels of traumatic affects, self-esteem, and CER. As a result, EWT implementation was feasible; however, some cultural issues were noted, possibly due to the current sociocultural climate in South Korea. While most measured outcomes improved, none reached statistical significance. The only significant change observed was a reduction in negative CER, particularly in self-blame and catastrophizing. Maintaining participant confidentiality and adopting a gender-neutral perspective is imperative when implementing online EWT for survivors of IPV. Future research should focus on refining and specifying Pennebaker’s paradigm to enhance its therapeutic impact for survivors of IPV.