The Secret Life of Pronouns: Flexibility in Writing Style and Physical Health

“[I]ndividuals randomly assigned to write about emotional topics evidence improved physical health compared with those who write about superficial topics…. [F]lexibility in the use of common words — particularly personal pronouns — when writing about traumatic memories was related to positive health outcomes.” R. Sherlock Campbell and James W. PennebakerThe Secret Life of Pronouns: Flexibility in Writing Style and Physical Health.pdf; Psychological Science)

In other words, people who varied their personal pronouns — sometimes writing about “I, my” and sometimes writing about “you, your,” were demonstrably healthier than those who did not vary their point of view when writing. Thanks, pahiel, for pointing me to this small WashPost item.

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Dennis G. Jerz

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