Effects of Structured Expressive Writing on Quality of Life and Perceived Self-Care Self-Efficacy of Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy in Central China: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Expressive writing is a supportive psychological intervention allowing an individual to disclose and express their deepest thoughts and feelings related to personal traumatic experiences through writing. Previous studies suggested that expressive writing could promote the physical and mental health of cancer patients. The current study was conducted to evaluate the effect of expressive writing based on the theory of cognitive adaptation (TCA) on the quality of life and self-care self-efficacy in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. A sample of 82 Chinese women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer was randomly assigned to an experimental group (four 20 min writing activities focusing on emotional disclosure) or a control group (no writing activities). The quality of life (QoL) and self-care self-efficacy were assessed at baseline, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 6 weeks after the intervention, respectively. The sociodemographic characteristics, QoL, and self-care self-efficacy at baseline were comparable between the two groups. Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed significant effects of the time×group (F = 3.65, p < 0.05) on the QoL and significant effects of time (F = 4.77, p <0.05) on self-care self-efficacy. Compared with the control group, the QoL in the intervention group showed a significant and temporary increase at 2 weeks after the intervention (mean difference = −7.56, p < 0.05). As a low-cost and easily delivered psychological intervention, expressive writing is recommended to reduce stress when there is a lack of available emotional support.