Expressive Writing to Help Sexual Minority Veterans with Depression and Anxiety

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This project tests a short, guided expressive writing activity designed for sexual minority veterans who experience distress from stigma and discrimination. Participants would write about challenging experiences for 15 minutes, 3–5 times, following a simple prompt, to see if it improves mood and reduces anxiety. The study focuses on feasibility, acceptability, and early signals of benefit in a VA setting. The goal is to determine if this easy-to-administer method could be implemented within Veterans Affairs care to support mental health. If promising, it could lead to larger trials and more accessible help for this high-risk group.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• VA Boston Health Care System
  Boston, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Harper, Kelly — VA Boston Health Care System
• Study coordinator: Harper, Kelly

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About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.