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Pennebaker writing protocol

Topic

The Pennebaker writing protocol, also known as the expressive writing paradigm, is a therapeutic technique developed by psychologist James W. Pennebaker in the late 1980s. It involves writing continuously for 15 to 20 minutes over several consecutive days about one's deepest thoughts and feelings regarding a traumatic or highly stressful life event. Research has shown that this structured form of expressive writing can lead to significant improvements in both physical and psychological health.

What experts have said about Pennebaker writing protocol

1 statement · 1 positive

  1. Andrew David HubermanPositiveSep 14, 2026· Modern Wisdom

    Pennebaker’s protocol uses four fifteen-minute journaling sessions about trauma.

    Pennebaker has people journal 4 times for 15 minutes each about the horrible thing that happened.

    Listen at 1:11:52

    Open the episode · “This Is The Culmination Of Everything I Know” - Dr Andrew Huberman #1150

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1 episode featuring Pennebaker writing protocol

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