Analyzing the Impact of Writing on Mental Health Through Computer Program

Utilizing a computer program named Luke in expressive writing studies revealed that using positive emotion words, even in negation, predicted improvement, especially in traumatic writing. Cognitive words like causal words and insight words were found to significantly enhance writing benefits. Pronouns, notably a high usage of 'I' words, correlated with mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, with suicidal individuals using 'I' words at higher rates. Changing pronoun perspectives during writing sessions indicated the most benefit, highlighting the importance of shifting focus between self and others. Conversely, repetitive writing with the same perspective was likened to rumination and showed little benefit.