According to Pennebaker (1997) and similar research investigating the benefits of disclosure through writing about negative events, researchers found that:

a) people benefited more from disclosing through writing about positive events instead of negative events.

b) people do not typically benefit when disclosing negative information in terms of coping responses.

c) people who write about past negative events realize important health benefits, including fewer doctor visits, improved immunocompetence, academic and employment gains, and reduced stress and depression.

d) people can benefit somewhat from disclosing negative events, however the benefits are short-lived and do not outweigh potential risks of negative long term outcomes.