THE APPLICATION OF EXPRESSIVE WRITING THERAPY TO REDUCE AUDITORY HALLUCINATIONS IN SCHIZOPHRENIA PATIENTS AT TAMPAN MENTAL HOSPITAL, RIAU PROVINCE

Abstrak

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder characterized by disturbances in perception, thought, and behavior. Auditory hallucinations are one of the most common and distressing positive symptoms experienced by individuals with schizophrenia. This study aimed to apply expressive writing therapy to reduce the frequency and intensity of auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia patients at Tampan Mental Hospital, Riau Province, in 2025. The study used an Evidence-Based Nursing (EBN) approach with an experimental (intervention) design. Three patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and auditory hallucinations were selected based on inclusion criteria. Expressive writing therapy was implemented for four consecutive days, once daily in the morning from 09:00 to 11:00 a.m., for approximately 20–30 minutes per session. Data were collected through observation, participation, and interviews using the Auditory Hallucination Rating Scale (AHRS) before and after therapy to assess changes in hallucination intensity. The results showed that expressive writing therapy effectively reduced hallucination scores in all participants. Patient Tn. H’s AHRS score decreased from 26 to 17, Tn. A’s score decreased from 25 to 19, and Tn. M’s score decreased from 23 to 18. Patients reported feeling calmer, more relaxed, and more in control of their thoughts after therapy.

In conclusion, expressive writing therapy is an effective non-pharmacological intervention for reducing auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia patients. It helps improve emotional regulation, promote self-expression, and enhance nurse–patient therapeutic relationships. The findings support integrating expressive writing into psychiatric nursing care to complement pharmacological treatment and improve patient outcomes.

Keywords: expressive writing therapy 1, auditory hallucinations 2, schizophrenia 3, nursing intervention 4, Evidence-Based Nursing 5.