Research on the topic of writing apprehension--general tendency to anxiety that is triggered by the situation of writing--has recently been stimulated by the development of a self-report scale to measure it. Research in the effects of writing apprehension reveals that students who are anxious about writing choose coursework, majors, and occupations to avoid it. More often men, they see themselves negatively as writers. They may have limited writing skills. The style of anxious writers is flat, neutral, self-hiding, and less expressive than that of writers who are not anxious. Another psychogenic problem is writer's cramp. Diagnosis of writing apprehension should first determine whether the student knows how to produce a paper and to manipulate ideas. The writing apprehension scale, analysis of a student's writing style, and in-depth discussion with the student are all viable methods of diagnosing writing apprehension. Methods of treatment include free writing, contracting, teaching positive self-talk (cognitive modification), retraining in the writing process, physical relaxation, and systematic desensitization. Referral to a therapist should be considered if writing apprehension is symptomatic of more general psychological problems. (Author/DF)