Life goal reconstruction for people with chronic health conditions: Feasibility of a brief internet-based writing intervention using a minimally monitored delivery

Examination of people's narratives after significant life changes revealed that engaging in current and future goal reconstruction was associated with higher levels of well-being while a failure to disengage from “what might have been” was associated with lower levels of well-being. This work led to the development of a life goal writing intervention that has received empirical support with most studies conducted among nonclinical populations. This study aims to assess the feasibility of a brief and minimally monitored internet-delivered writing therapy developed to facilitate life goal reconstruction among adults diagnosed with various chronic health conditions. Sixteen adults showing mild to moderate levels of anxiety or depression were recruited and a single group pretest/post-test design used. The 5-week program is comprised of psychoeducation, five weekly 30-min writing sessions, automated emails and symptom monitoring. Feasibility outcome measures included attrition, treatment adherence, acceptability and preliminary effectiveness. Primary outcome measures were The Patient Health Questionnaire -9 (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder -7 (GAD-7). Attrition was low (12%) and adherence high (93%). All but one study completer reported they would recommend the program. Mixed effects models revealed a significant and large reduction from pre-treatment to post-treatment on the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 and remission rates of 67% and 64% respectively. These findings suggest that it would be feasible to proceed to a larger trial. The brief duration of the intervention combined to a minimally monitored delivery may lend itself to implementation in routine clinical care milieus such as hospital settings.