Psychologist James W. Pennebaker has conducted controlled clinical research that sheds new light on the powerful mind-body connection. This book interweaves his findings with insightful case studies on secret-keeping, confession, and the hidden price of silence. Filled with encouragement, Opening Up explains : how writing about your problems can improve your health, how long-buried trauma affects the immune system, why it's never too late to heal old emotional wounds, when self-disclosure may be risky-and how to know whom to trust.