Node-link mapping as an alternative to therapeutic writing

Abstract

Writing as a therapeutic aid has gained increased attention both in terms of research and its application to real world scenarios. Unfortunately, there are many potential problems associated with writing as a therapeutic aid. In order to attempt to ameliorate some of these potential problems, the use of knowledge maps as an alternative to therapeutic writing was tested. In this study, college students were assigned to one of four experimental conditions: (1) writing a personal problem, (2) mapping a personal problem, (3) writing an objective problem, (4) mapping an objective problem. Participants in the "personal" problem conditions generated more information than those in the "objective" problem conditions, while those who mapped a personal problem generated more information during an updating session compared to their counterparts who wrote a personal problem. In addition, participants who wrote about their personal problem reported enjoying the activity and thought about it more than those who mapped their problem. Mapping a personal problem had beneficial long-term effects including improved mental and physical health.