Narrative Writing Exercises for Promoting Health Among Adolescents: Promises and Pitfalls

Objective: The purpose of this commentary is to summarize potential benefits and issues in the use of narrative writing exercises with adolescents. Tips for implementing narratives as a health promotion and prevention strategy in schools and other types of therapeutic settings are also presented. Key Points: Narrative writing exercises have consistently demonstrated positive results at the universal prevention, targeted prevention, and intervention levels. Researchers have theorized that narratives are effective as they help individual's process thoughts and emotions surrounding adverse events, and are a way to promote positive thoughts about the self and broader ways of thinking. The Laws of Life essay program is an example of an established narrative program that is used nationally in school settings. We present hands-on information and recommendations as to the how to implement a narrative program and cautions to consider. Conclusions: Evaluations of narrative writing exercises have yielded many positive findings, but many important questions remain. It appears that narratives potentially help those at risk for violence or troubling behaviors, but more research in the context of the violence field is needed.