Markowski, Marianne ORCID: 0000-0003-4652-3168 , Kalocsanyiova, Erika ORCID: 0000-0002-3535-1084 and Essex, Ryan ORCID: 0000-0003-3497-3137 (2023) The current landscape of studies involving intergenerational letter and email writing: a systematic scoping review and textual narrative synthesis. Written Communication, 41 (1). pp. 167-199. ISSN 0741-0883 (Print), 1552-8472 (Online) (doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/07410883231207103)

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Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a renewed interest in intergenerational letter and email writing. Evidence shows that expressive writing, including letter writing has a number of benefits including improved literacy and perceived well-being, and it can also facilitate a deep connection with another person. This scoping review provides an overview of the existing research on letter and email writing between different age cohorts. Out of the 471 articles retrieved from Scopus, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Medline, Academic Search Premier and Web of Science, 17 studies met the inclusion criteria and were critically appraised and synthesised in this review. The studies were grouped into two themes according to their stated aims and outcomes: 1) studies exploring changes in perceptions, and 2) studies relating to skills development and bonds. The results showed a range of benefits for intergenerational letter writers, from more positive perceptions of the other age group, through improved writing skills and subject knowledge, to forming intergenerational memories and bonds. The review also highlights some of the limitations of the current research and formulates recommendations for future studies in the fields of writing studies, intergenerational research, and educational gerontology.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	intergenerational pen pal; letter writing; intergenerational email writing; scoping review
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) L Education > L Education (General) P Language and Literature > PN Literature (General)
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > School of Health Sciences (HEA)
Last Modified:	13 Dec 2023 13:54
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/43398

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