Graduation Term

2017

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Department of Psychology: Clinical-Counseling Psychology

Committee Chair

Jeffrey Kahn

Abstract

This thesis looked into the role of reappraisal in expressive writing and its impact on affect and insight. The study looked into (1) differences in reappraisal between writing in the first person versus third person, (2) differences in one’s perceived inclusion of the stressor in the self between the two groups, (3) changes produced in positive and negative affect, (4) outcomes on insight, and (5) the role of reappraisal as a mediator between expressive writing and its outcomes. 64 undergraduate students were asked to answer questionnaires and engage in a writing task. Results of the study are as follows: (1) writing in the third person does not lead to greater reappraisal; (2) through time, there was a decrease in the way people perceived the stressor to be included in the self; (3) through time, people decreased in positive affect and increased in negative affect; (4) writing in the third person did not lead to greater insight; and (5) reappraisal was not a mediator between expressive writing and its outcomes in affect and insight. Limitations, future directions, and implications of the study are explained in the paper.

Access Type

Thesis-Open Access

DOI

http://doi.org/10.30707/ETD2017.Fuentes.A

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