Emotional processing (EP) from the emotional approach coping measure has been shown to moderate the effect of writing interventions. This study targeted writing interventions to EP level, with low EP participants receiving a best possible self (BPS) script and high EP participants receiving an emotional expression (EMO) script, versus a control (CTL) writing script. A factorial experimental design was used to balance the potential factors gender, spacing of interventions, and whether participants were instructed to keep or give their writing samples to the administrator. Post-test measures were taken 1 month after completion of writing. Sixty-four undergraduates (66 % female) participated. Those with high EP (EP≥3
We chose a multilevel factorial experimental design rather than the much more commonly used random controlled trial (RCT). Collins et al. (2009) indicate that, when many experimental variables (which may interact) are pertinent to the research question, a statistically sound alternative to the RCT is a factorial design. Factorial experimental designs are commonly used in engineering in order to optimize product attributes. At what combination of temperature, speed, and throughput must the machinery run in order to make the largest amount of high quality product? In psychology, this thinking can apply to the idea of “manufacturing” increased well-being or health through the application of psychological interventions.
