Originally published October 17 2005
Survey suggests weblogs help people maintain a healthy mind
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
A recent survey by AOL claims that 50 percent of bloggers consider their weblogs a form of therapy that provides them with health benefits.
By last count, and make no mistake the number jumps every week, the Internet offers about 15 million blogs or Web journals.
While some journalists might cringe at the overuse of "I" and "me" among bloggers, it doesn't deter many blog readers.
So it follows that a recent survey sponsored by America Online shows that nearly half of bloggers consider their online journals to be a form of therapy.
Some psychologists have questioned the therapeutic value, but others, including some East Coast hospitals, are beginning to establish patient blogs on their official Web sites.
The blogs are working as both a marketing tool for the hospital and a virtual support group for patients.
There is considerable research that writing a journal is a healing practice.
It seems logical to assume blogging might qualify as a similar therapy.
James Pennebaker is a pioneering researcher in the field of writing therapy.
He authored studies showing that chronic pain patients who write about their suffering can relieve it by writing for 15 uninterrupted minutes three to four consecutive days.
It's not because using a computer bypasses writing longhand, which nonetheless is by documented research standards still the most healing way to journal.
For others it is more exhibitionism, he said, and for yet another group it might be destructive.
"I actually think there can be too much journaling or diary writing in some people's lives," said Pennebaker, chairman of the psychology department at the University of Texas at Austin.
The idea is to do enough journal writing to "stop, stand back and look at your life," he said.
Dr. Fernette Eide is an Edmonds physician who specializes in neurology and children's learning styles in a private practice with her husband, Dr. Brock Eide, at the Eide Neurolearning Clinic.
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