This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of expressive writing to reduce HIV-related sexual risk taking and symptoms of drug dependence among emerging adult gay and bisexual men (EAGBM) through linguistic mechanisms involving use of words associated with cognitive processing (e.g., think, cause), positive emotion (e.g., love, nice), and negative emotion (e.g., hurt, shame). Between 2014 and 2015, EAGBM (n = 78; aged 18–29) completed a baseline survey and were randomized to complete three 15-min expressive writing or equivalent control-group writing sessions and follow-up assessments 2 months post-baseline. EAGBM in the expressive writing condition utilized significantly more positive emotion, negative emotion, and cognitive processing words. Path model results indicated the intervention condition resulted in significant reductions in symptoms of drug dependence and frequency of condomless anal sex (CAS) through paths mediated by positive emotion words, and significant increases in CAS through a path mediated by negative emotion words.

该试点随机对照试验评估了表达性写作的可行性、可接受性和初步功效，通过涉及使用与认知相关的词语的语言机制，减少新兴成年男同性恋和双性恋男性 (EAGBM) 与 HIV 相关的性风险和药物依赖症状处理（例如，思考、原因）、积极情绪（例如，爱、友善）和消极情绪（例如，伤害、羞耻）。2014 年至 2015 年间，EAGBM ( n = 78; 18-29 岁）完成了基线调查，并被随机分配完成三个 15 分钟的表达性写作或等效的对照组写作课程，并在基线后 2 个月进行后续评估。EAGBM 在表达性写作条件下使用了更多的积极情绪、消极情绪和认知加工词。路径模型结果表明，干预条件通过积极情绪词介导的路径导致药物依赖症状和无安全套肛交（CAS）频率显着降低，而通过消极情绪词介导的路径，CAS显着增加。