Effects of Expressive Writing on Psychological Distress, Quality of Life, Self-Compassion, and Emotion Regulation During the Menopausal Transition: A Randomized Controlled Trial
WOMEN & THERAPY, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1080/02703149.2026.2679440
- Journal Name: WOMEN & THERAPY
- Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, IBZ Online, CINAHL, Educational research abstracts (ERA), Gender Studies Database, Psycinfo
- Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
The menopausal transition is a critical period marked by physical, emotional, and psychological changes that may heighten anxiety, depression, and stress while reducing quality of life. Expressive writing has been associated with psychological and physical benefits; however, its utility during the menopausal transition remains underexplored. This study examined the effectiveness of different expressive writing approaches for women in this life phase. A total of 144 women aged 40-54 (M = 47.86, SD = 3.03), all undergoing menopausal transition, were randomly assigned to one of five groups: positive writing, negative writing, self-compassion-focused writing, neutral writing, and a non-writing control. Participants completed standardized assessments at baseline, post-intervention (after four consecutive days of 15-minute sessions), and one-month follow-up. Measures included psychological distress, menopause-specific quality of life, self-compassion, and emotion regulation difficulties. Adherence to the writing protocols was independently evaluated by clinical psychologists, and statistical analyses (ANOVA, mixed-design repeated measures ANOVA) were subsequently conducted. Results showed that both positive and self-compassion-focused writing significantly improved menopause-related quality of life across psychosocial, physical, and sexual domains, and enhanced self-compassion. These findings support the use of expressive writing with a positive or self-compassionate focus as a promising, low-cost intervention to support women's well-being during the menopausal transition.