This study explored how autobiographical diaries written by patients undergoing treatment can aid and clarify their progress in line with narrative therapy principles. The research examined the connection between linguistic content in these diaries and treatment progress. The study involved analyzing complete sets of daily diaries from 16 patients receiving addiction treatment at a residential center using the 12-step approach of Anonymous fellowships.
Three sociolinguistic methods were used for analysis: narrative characterization, evaluative statement coding, and computer-based word strategy analysis. Results highlighted that treatment success, as assessed by counseling and psychiatric staff, was linked to diary narratives that focused on individual progress, displayed a positive or negative style, showed reduced self-criticism over time, and were positive about the treatment program while also being self-critical. Additionally, the use of words indicating insight and negativity played a role in success.
The study concludes that autobiographical diaries can be a valuable tool to assess treatment progress and their potential for facilitating change should be further investigated.
