Individual differences matter: Commentary on “Effects of expressive writing on depressive symptoms—A meta‐analysis”

Comments on an article by M. Reinhold et al. (see record 2018-03365-001). Reinhold et al's meta-analysis is timely and important. Rude and Haner argue that given burgeoning evidence for the disease burden of depression worldwide, as well as the ubiquity of depression symptoms even in healthy individuals, it is important to determine what benefits expressive writing (EW) may have for alleviating symptoms of depression. It is perhaps especially important to determine circumstances in which EW may be contraindicated. The commentary further details why depressed individuals may struggle with EW and presents a case for exploring individual difference moderators. The most basic moderators are discussed. Suggestions for a research agenda are proposed. Problems that can arise from an incomplete analysis are considered. Structural/contextual modifications of EW that may buffer individual differences are highlighted. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)