Deck 11: Journal Writing

Question 1

In his efforts to study the benefits of journal writing, Ira Progoff discovered which of the following results?

A) Students reported fewer cases of disease and illness.
B) AIDS patients reported higher white blood cell counts.
C) Cancer patients reported greater cases of spontaneous remission.
D) Individuals who started journal writing while on welfare were more likely to find employment and better housing faster.

Answer 1

D

Question 2

The primary purpose of journal writing to help control stress is to:

A) gain a better focus and perspective on daily stressors.
B) get to know yourself better through the self-awareness process.
C) promote the unity of the left and right hemispheric brain functions.
D) help identify and resolve the causes of stress through self-awareness.

Answer 2

D

Question 3

Journal writing, as a coping technique, is unique in that it is thought by many to be:

A) the most effective means of emotional catharsis.
B) a means of short-term emotional catharsis and long-term insight.
C) the most effective means of self-awareness of one's problems.
D) a way to release toxic stress hormones.

Answer 3

B

Question 4

In his efforts to study the benefits of journal writing, Jamie Pennebaker found which of the following results?

A) AIDS patients reported higher white blood cell counts.
B) Students reported fewer cases of disease and illness.
C) Cancer patients reported greater cases of spontaneous remission.
D) Individuals who started journal writing while on welfare were more likely to find employment and better housing faster.

Question 5

Poetry therapy is considered to be a form of:

A) social orchestration.
B) cognitive reappraisal.
C) expressive art therapy.
D) journal writing.

Question 6

Current research reveals that journal writing helps in the following way(s).

A) Decreases one's resting blood pressure
B) Decreases one's cholesterol levels
C) Decreases one's symptoms of fibromyalgia
D) Decreases one's sense of grieving
E) All of these are correct.

Question 7

The "Buzan method" of journal writing is significant for its ability to:

A) uncover repressed thoughts and feelings from the unconscious mind.
B) access both right (feelings) and left (thoughts) brain functions.
C) find creative solutions to help solve difficult problems.
D) help an individual remember dreams from the night before.

Question 8

These are the three essential criteria for effective journal writing.

A) Buzan style, dream journaling, and unsent letters
B) Identify concerns, identify emotions, and seek resolutions
C) A comfortable place, no distractions, and privacy
D) Time of day, amount of writing, and spontaneity

Question 9

What makes the proprioceptive writing method of journal writing different is that it:

A) is done outside in nature.
B) is done while listening to classical music.
C) is done by synthesizing emotions and imagination.
D) is done by collaborating with a friend, each taking a turn writing a sentence.

Question 10

Journal writing can be thought of as a means of exclusive meditation.

Question 11

The long-term effects of journal writing are most noticeable when the writer reads previous entries as an impartial, outside observer.

Question 12

Poetry therapy is an aspect of journal writing in that these entries may eventually be shared with others, win contests, and thus help raise one's self-esteem.

Question 13

Journal writing offers a good immediate catharsis but offers little in the way of long-term resolutions.

Question 14

To remember your dreams for a dream journal, tell/remind yourself before you fall asleep that you want to remember your dreams.

Question 15

The best way to eliminate writer's block is to start doodling.

Question 16

Research shows that people who write personal letters have less stress than those who keep journals.

Question 17

Experts suggest that the Internet offers an effective means of journal writing through email and blogs.

Question 18

Research shows that keeping a blog about one's thoughts and feelings is more effective than writing in a notebook for a healthy catharsis.

Question 19

Explain the nature of journal writing as a coping technique, and describe the similarities and differences between this technique and art therapy.

Question 20

Please define the following terms or concepts in no more than two sentences, and give an example to support your definition.
A. Buzan writing style
B. Journal writing
C. Poetry therapy
D. Transpsychological
E. Writer's block

Question 21

Explain the nature of journal writing as a coping technique, and describe the similarities and differences among this technique, poetry therapy, and art therapy.

Question 22

Poetry therapy is a type of journal writing, but it could also be considered to be its own coping skill. Explain the merits of poetry therapy and how this helps someone cope with stress.

Question 23

In previous centuries, which of the following generally would not be a reason people kept journals?

A) Simplest form of list making
B) Guidance on long trips
C) Celestial navigation
D) Description of life events

Question 24

Journal writing is a form of _________, the therapeutic effects of self-discovery through active awareness.

A) spontaneity
B) transpsychology
C) humanistic maintenance
D) exploration

Question 25

Emotional expression through journal writing can:

A) decrease cholesterol levels.
B) help people grieving a romantic breakup.
C) be a major cathartic release.
D) All of these are correct.

Question 26

At the beginning, a recommended goal for journaling would be:

A) 5 to 10 minutes for each entry, three entries per day.
B) 5 to 10 minutes for each entry, four entries per week.
C) 15 to 20 minutes for each entry, daily.
D) 15 to 20 minutes for each entry, three entries per week.

Question 27

Which of the following statements about journal writing is true?

A) Journal writing should replace any more viable coping technique.
B) Journal writing should encourage, not discourage, honest feelings.
C) Paralysis by analysis occurs when people do not give enough time to the expression of their thoughts.
D) Journal writing cannot be used incorrectly.

Question 28

Journal writing is a great way to vent anger.

Question 29

As a cathartic tool, the drafting of an unsent letter allows release of suppressed emotions, including grief, anger, and guilt.

Question 30

The three essential elements needed for effective journal writing are (1) a notebook; (2) a pen; and (3) a quiet, uninterrupted environment.

Question 31

In humanistic journal therapy, journal writing is a vehicle for total absorption in the expression of an individual's thoughts and feelings.

Question 32

According to Pennebaker, daily writing allows people to hash and rehash their problems, reinforcing the positive release of the issues of stress, trauma, and pain.

Question 33

The best effect of poetry therapy is when the words rhyme, providing more order.