This book would appeal to readers interested in understanding the relationship between emotional and physical health, and in minimizing the harmful effects of stress. Written for a general audience, the book also contains much of value to

Table of Contents

Preface. Confession and Inhibition: The Beginnings of an Approach. Inhibition as a Health Threat. Becoming Healthier Through Writing. Confession in the Laboratory. The Battle to Inhibit Our Thoughts. On Speeding Up Coping. Understanding the Value of Writing. The Social Price of Disclosure: Whom to Tell and How to Listen. Love, Passion, and Thrills. The Inhibited Personality. Inhibited Cities. Confession in Context: Therapy, Religion, and Brainwashing. Beyond Traumas: Writing and Well-Being.

Reviews

"So talk about it, and if it seems no one is listening, then write it down. It's such a relief!" --Kathryn LaBarbera, "Booklist"
..".There is something freeing about getting things off one's chest.'...According to Pennebaker's book however, confession is good not only for one's soul but for one's blood pressure, insomnia, psychological well-being, and immune function. In "Opening Up: The Healing Power of Confiding in Others," Pennebaker summarizes findings from his 10 year research program on the consequences of confiding one's secrets and offers advice regarding how to use confession to enhance psychological and physical health...Pennebaker buttresses conclusions based on his extensive research with case studies, which include not only cases of individuals but of entire cities....I found them to be engaging and useful...He does an exemplary job of walking the fine line between a professional volume and a trade book...Pennebaker's research has already made a valuable contributio