Reduction of pathological skin-picking via expressive writing: A randomized controlled trial

Background Expressive writing (EW: a personal form of about emotional distress, without regard to conventions) can improve physical and mental health. The present study investigated whether EW reduce pathological skin-picking. In addition, the effects two modalities were contrasted with each other: computer vs. paper/pencil. Method A total 132 females self-reported skin-picking participated in two-week intervention. They either carried out six sessions or wrote abstract paintings (control condition), using paper/pencil computer. Before after session, participants rated their affective state urge pick skin via smartphone application. Questionnaires for assessing severity completed before Results decreased directly session. reduction was more pronounced group, who also experienced reduced tension increased feelings relief at end focused modality had no differential effect on symptoms. Conclusions This identified beneficial future could investigate as potential tool context (online) psychotherapy disorder.