First it was cybertherapy. Now texting is making inroads into the national psyche, helping people work out tough emotional issues that under different circumstances, they might otherwise leave alone.

A story at MSNBC describes how some people turn to texting to deal with a recent emotional trauma, with the inevitable quote from a psychologist suggesting that “although texting may be a beneficial way to cope with tribulations initially, it’s too superficial to help overcome life’s obstacles.” Really now?

While the limits of texting are obvious (160 character limit, for instance), there’s actually been no research on this topic one way or another. So while common sense says you can’t text your way out of your feelings, I think texting can be just as helpful, powerful and beneficial to someone as sending a long, thoughtful email. Why?

Because it’s all communication. It’s all about sharing, opening up, and not closing down when ordinarily you might find it easier to do. There is no single accepted set of rules or anything for processing grief or loss, for finding closure. So there’s no reason why texting can be an important part of that process for some people who find it beneficial and helpful.

Texting is a great way to communicate with others when you don’t feel like talking or using some other technology. And while it’s no magic bullet, it surely can be more beneficial than simply closing oneself up and cutting off all communication with the outside world.

Read the full article: Turn to texting for the tough stuff

Dr. John Grohol is the CEO and founder of Psych Central. He is an author, researcher and expert in mental health online, and has been writing about online behavior, mental health and psychology issues -- as well as the intersection of technology and human behavior -- since 1992. Dr. Grohol sits on the editorial board of the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking and is a founding board member and treasurer of the Society for Participatory Medicine.

    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 9 Jun 2008
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