The efficacy of a single imaginal exposure-writing assignment in reducing posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms: A pilot study

Yvonne D Vinke, Femke Truijens, Esmee van Polanen Petel, Arnold A P van Emmerik

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This online study examined the effects of a single imaginal exposure-writing assignment on posttraumatic stress (PTS) and comorbid depressive symptoms.

METHOD: Forty-six participants with PTS were allocated to either a single imaginal exposure-writing assignment, a nontrauma writing assignment, or to a nonwriting control condition, and were reassessed 2 and 5 weeks after baseline. Of the 49 participants, 36 were female, with an average age of 23. Participation was conducted through Qualtrics. Effects were assessed with the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS) and the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II).

RESULTS: PTS and depressive symptoms decreased over time regardless of the study condition.

CONCLUSIONS: We found no support for the efficacy of a single imaginal exposure-writing assignment in reducing PTS or comorbid depressive symptoms. Suggestions are given for future studies that attempt to identify a minimal dose of imaginal exposure writing for PTS.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1519-1526
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Clinical Psychology
Volume75
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2019
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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