Citation

Parker JS, Stewart GS, Gantt C. Fam. Ther. 2006; 33(1): 45-52.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Libra Publishers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The present study sought to identify characteristics of adolescents exposed to domestic violence (DV) and to develop a group intervention protocol that assesses expressive writing (EW) as a coping method for this population. "Positive Points (PP)," a list of personal strengths, was also evaluated, based on the hypothesis that their use would increase cognitive insight and positive word usage. Writing samples were analyzed using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC). All participants demonstrated positive overall emotional change as a result of EW. LIWC analysis revealed a significant difference in groups regarding use of self words as well as a near-significant decrease in sad words. These findings were promising regarding the combination of EW and PP as an effective coping mechanism for this population. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract)