• Falayi Olukayode

  Author

Chronic disease has a great impact on the physical, psychological, and self-perception of a person. It is likely to bring about a personality crisis and disrupt day-to-day functioning. To assist in psychological flexibility and sense-making, less clinical and more reflective methods are becoming more popular. Autobiographical writing is a therapeutic tool that can be used as a coping mechanism for long-term sickness and self-recreation, as explained in this research. To explore the potential of personal writing practices as a therapeutic intervention, the study uses a conceptual and qualitative approach to research with an interdisciplinary focus on the studies of narrative psychology, expressive writing, and health humanities. The findings suggest that autobiographical writing may help externalise the conflict within a person, organise the fragmented experience, and rewrite illness stories, which would make people emotionally clear and resilient. Through reflection, individuals will feel in control again, far more self-conscious, and develop identities not dictated by sickness. Also, the accessibility and flexibility of writing as a therapeutic method that can be applied both in a healthcare and educational setting are mentioned in the paper. It is seen in the discussion that autobiographical writing is not just a mere expression but a good process of self-exploration and transformation. This study concludes that narrative-based practices in chronic illness management can be effective in emotional well-being and in long-term coping to offer helpful information to practitioners, educators, and researchers who might be interested in embracing the holistic approach of health and identity rebuilding.

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