Writing for Wellbeing: Theory, Research, and Practice

Writing can support our wellbeing even under the most difficult life circumstances, helping us to adapt to change, make sense of loss, improve our resilience, and foster personal growth. This book explores the transformative power of writing in a wide range of contexts, including personal trauma narratives, grief and loss, poetry, blogs, playwriting, and the smuggled writings of refugees. It provides a holistic and inspiring resource for anyone wishing to practice, teach, or research Writing-for-wellbeing.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 07 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Writing has the incredible power to support our well-being, even in the most challenging life circumstances. It helps us adapt to significant changes, make sense of loss, enhance our physical and emotional resilience, and foster personal growth. Numerous studies on Expressive Writing have substantiated this, and there are established methodologies for practice. However, to date, few accounts have provided detailed descriptions showcasing how and why putting pen to paper can be so beneficial.

This book delves deeply into the realm of Writing-for-wellbeing and showcases the transformative power of writing across various contexts. Topics include personal trauma narratives within the Humanities, a participatory Writing-for-wellbeing study that demonstrates the effectiveness of writing in the context of grief and loss, the surprising role of surprise as the hidden mainspring of poetry's therapeutic potency, the empowerment and healing potential offered by Black women's blogs, playwriting's role in positioning LGBTQIA+ identities as positive through stories of belonging, the impact of writing workshops on newly literate Indigenous adults and other participants in the Australian outback, and the global witnessing of refugee stories enabled by the smuggled writings of Behrouz Boochani.

This resource sets out the theoretical foundations and research behind Writing-for-wellbeing in close relation to full and engaging accounts of practice. Its primary aim is to make the topic accessible and affirm its place as an effective reconstructive practice alongside other expressive arts therapies, providing a holistic and inspiring resource for anyone wishing to practice, teach, or research Writing-for-wellbeing.

In conclusion, Writing is a powerful tool that can enhance our well-being and support us through difficult times. By exploring the various contexts in which writing can be beneficial, this book provides a comprehensive and inspiring resource for anyone interested in practicing, teaching, or researching Writing-for-wellbeing. Whether you are dealing with personal trauma, grief, or seeking to promote positive identities and empowerment, writing has the potential to be a transformative force in your life.

Weight: 426g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032163147