Running head: ARTICLE CRITIQUE 2

Article Critique 2
Lexi Garrett
Brigham Young University

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Article Critique 2

At the core of recreational therapy is the idea that leisure activities can contribute to
positive changes in the general well being of individuals. Hence, much of the current research in
the field explores different ways of having leisure. This critique will summarize some of the
studies that have been done showing the strengths and weaknesses of using creative writing as a
therapeutic means. Creative writing is a positive leisure activity that contributes to the betterment
of people in substance abuse treatment.
Summary
This article was a literature review of six studies that researched the effect of creative
writing as intervention in substance abuse treatment. These studies had been conducted in many
settingsinpatient and outpatient programs, schools, etc.and focused on multiple outcomes,
including treatment and prevention. Many styles of creative writing were implemented, including
poetry, expressive writing, and free writing. (Snead, Pakstis, Evans, & Nelson, 2015, p. 180).
Overall, the research suggested that creative writing interventions did well to decrease drinking
intentions, and improved depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, and trust (Snead et al., 2015,
p. 180). Creative writing was viewed as a viable means of recreational therapy.
Strengths
The article reviewed multiple studies that had been conducted for multiple populations.
This serves to show that the findings may be replicated and be applied to many situations. The
article also gave evidence to show that creative writing interventions created a healthy
relationship between client and therapist, and that clients were more likely to achieve their goals
(Snead et al., 2015, p. 180). Therefore, creative writing can be used as motivation for achieving
specific purposes. The studies reviewed spanned from 1997-2013; this gives credibility to

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creative writing because it has shown to be successful across a long time period, and is still
relevant today.
Weaknesses
Even though there are several strengths in this literature review, there are also some
weaknesses. Because creative writing is such a broad term, there is the possibility for lack of
individualization. Therapy is meant to be specific to individual clients or certain populations.
Although using creative writing might seem easy to a therapist, using a large umbrella method of
therapy might detract from working specifically with someones needs. Also, the literature
review only reviewed how creative writing helped with substance abuse treatment; I would like
to see more research done on how it can help with other populations. One population where
creative writing might be difficult to implement is with those with intellectual disabilities.
Depending on the severity of the disability, writing may or may not be extremely helpful.
Applications
The application for creative writing in the field of recreational therapy is large. Creative
writing not only can be used as means of therapy, but also can be a part of leisure education
through teaching clients a new skill; by knowing the process of writing, clients will have a new
way to cope with their difficulties, whether that be avoiding an alcoholic drink or dealing with a
depressive episode. Because writing is a process, it can be used both in short-term and long-term
therapy. Clients who write and then refine over a period of time would learn about the process of
change and adaptation, and be able to apply these principles in their own lives. Creative writing
can also be used with mixed gender or single gender groups, and so has the potential to be used
in family therapy, and all kinds of group therapy, as well as individual therapy. Because there is

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much variability in creative writing that can be specifically adapted, when used correctly it can
bring about specific purposes to truly help clients.
Personal Reaction
From my limited knowledge of substance abuse treatment, I know that much of
overcoming addiction is finding new, positive ways to spend time. Because of this background
knowledge, I was able to easily understand how creative writing would be especially useful in
substance abuse treatment, providing clients with a new outlet. Beyond that, I believe that
writing can be therapeutic for anyone. Writing allows for a creative outlet and a sense of
accomplishment. When someone can see that they created something tangible, it can increase
self-confidence and positive risk taking; I have experienced this many times in my own life.
Because of my personal experiences, I think that creative writing could be very beneficial for
other populations besides those in substance abuse treatment. I found the article to be insightful
and thorough, and I appreciate that it validates the importance of imagination. Because of this
article, I am more interested in making the writing I do therapeutic for myself; this includes
writing in a journal, writing papers for class, and simply writing to expand my imagination.

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References

Snead, B., Pakstis, D., Evans, B., & Nelson, R. (2015). The use of creative writing interventions
in substance abuse treatment. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 49(3), 179-182.