The writing exercises lasted for 20 minutes and were conducted each day for three days. Published randomized trials have provided evidence that psychosocial support is associated with longer survival for patients with breast cancer, malignant melanoma, and lymphoma. Being able to adapt to a situation well does not mean the person must always have a positive attitude, though. On the contrary, the person should deal directly with negative emotions. Some scientists have warned against making too much of studies showing that writing has a positive effect.
More research needs to be done before definite conclusions are reached.
Regardless of whether or not science can say with certainty that writing helps, what matters is that the patients see a difference. Irene Lasater, a memoir writing instructor from Green Valley, AZ, helps patients realize the difference writing can make in their lives. Her purpose in teaching the class is to help students recognize their emotional attitudes and feelings and how those feelings affect their physical well-being and the connection between their mind and body. Lasater achieves this purpose by assigning specific topics to write about, such as fear, anger, guilt, etc. Then it's over.