How Psychotherapy and Journaling Help

A new study using brain imaging quantifies the benefits of putting feelings into words when talking with a therapist or friend, or writing in a journal.

UCLA psychologists report differenct areas of brain are active when individuals communicate their feelings. In turn, the shift of brain activity is associated with better control of our emotions, making our feelings of sadness, anger and pain less intense.

The study showed that an area of the brain called the amygdale, which serves as an alarm to activate a cascade of biological systems to protect the body in times of danger, is less active when an individual labels feelings.

Further, another region of the brain is more active: the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex. This region is located behind the forehead and eyes and has been associated with thinking in words about emotional experiences.

"How Psychotherapy and Journaling Help"

Read the full article at psychcentral.com

[Originally posted 6.25.07. We will be back to our daily posting schedule tomorrow]

A new study using brain imaging quantifies the benefits of putting feelings into words when talking with a therapist or friend, or writing in a journal.

UCLA psychologists report differenct areas of brain are active when individuals communicate their feelings. In turn, the shift of brain activity is associated with better control of our emotions, making our feelings of sadness, anger and pain less intense.

The study showed that an area of the brain called the amygdale, which serves as an alarm to activate a cascade of biological systems to protect the body in times of danger, is less active when an individual labels feelings.

Further, another region of the brain is more active: the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex. This region is located behind the forehead and eyes and has been associated with thinking in words about emotional experiences.

"How Psychotherapy and Journaling Help"

Read the full article at psychcentral.com

Comments

[Johnny]

I happened to notice that when I get mad or sad I usually curse into a piece of paper, and it does help get the anger out. Very interesting though because I did this unconsciously thanks for the post very good info!

[Sophie Brown]

I read a very funny study in the UK which suggested that you will be much healthier if you never wrote anything at all! I mean it, psychological study, statistics, tell me this will keep you from journaling--LOL. They said it was because people "ruminate" on their troubles, etc.

[lillian]

As someone who has been keeping a journal for nearly 20 years all I can say is "Well, Duh!"

I imagine that most of the readers of this blog have experienced the emotional benefits of journaling first hand, but it is satisfying to see some research behind it.

Understanding your motivations, desires, shortcomings, etc. (basically knowing yourself) is essential for personal growth. Journaling - especially over long periods of time - is an excellent way to develop this inner awareness.

[Sophie Brown]

Compulsive writing is like any other compulsion, only this one is more successful at justifying itself. Of course it's helpful; I also couldn't survive a week without it (tried this once--I won the bet but I was miserable). I was hiding paper all over the house! Like any other kind of a junkie.