Creative Therapeutic

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Scientific Evidence Supporting Narrative Therapy and Therapeutic Writing in Treating Diseases—A Literature Review about Online Support Groups

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https://doi.org/10.54963/ct.v1i1.1712
Santo, C., dos Santos Silva, I., & Soares, L. (2025). Scientific Evidence Supporting Narrative Therapy and Therapeutic Writing in Treating Diseases—A Literature Review about Online Support Groups. Creative Therapeutic, 1(1), 35–52. https://doi.org/10.54963/ct.v1i1.1712
Volume 1 Issue 1 (2025)
Copyright (c) 2025 Catarina Santo, Inês dos Santos Silva, Luísa Soares
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Authors

  • Catarina Santo

    Department of Psychology, Faculdade de Artes e Humanidades, Universidade da Madeira, 9000 Funchal, Portugal
  • Inês dos Santos Silva

    2256.c.Health, 1269‑039 Lisboa, Portugal
  • Luísa Soares

    Department of Psychology, Faculdade de Artes e Humanidades, Universidade da Madeira, 9000 Funchal, Portugal

Received: 15 April 2025; Revised: 2 June 2025; Accepted: 9 June 2025; Published: 16 June 2025

Illness of any kind entails a range of physical, cognitive, and, most notably, emotional consequences, which may lead to experiences of fear, pain, and social isolation. Narrative therapy and therapeutic writing, particularly when implemented in groups of individuals sharing similar conditions and facilitated through online platforms, offer valuable opportunities for sharing experiences and providing mutual support. This study aims to present an innovative perspective on the significance of online communities for patients and social support groups, emphasizing their potential to facilitate connections among individuals facing similar circumstances and to promote a sense of belonging, emotional support, and enhanced psychological well-being. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify and analyze scientific evidence on the effectiveness of narrative therapy and therapeutic writing in managing different health conditions. Searches were performed in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. The focus was on empirical research assessing psychological or physiological outcomes of narrative-based interventions. Relevant data were extracted and qualitatively synthesized through a integrative analysis to identify key findings, theoretical trends, and research gaps. The application of narrative therapy within online social support groups yielded positive outcomes, contributing to the alleviation of symptoms and improvement in emotional well-being among individuals affected by diverse health conditions. The integration of narrative therapy and therapeutic writing into online social support settings enables individuals to articulate their emotions, fears, and uncertainties in a supportive environment. This process cultivates a sense of community and belonging, thereby fostering emotional resilience and overall psychological well-being.

Keywords:

Narrative Therapy Therapeutic Writing Support Groups Informal Caregivers Online Communities Reframing WhatsApp

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