[[HOPES Project Index]] #intervention # Intervention tool - Journaling 1. Two kind of journaling, expressive (4 sessions, 20mins) or gratitude. 2. Low Risk 3. Some benefits 4. Need to provide training and education on the benefits of journaling. 5. Must be private, not shared with anyone for benefit 6. ![[14-07-2022#^6c8b35]] [[Article - Efficacy of journaling in the management of mental illness - a systematic review and meta-analysis]] - Similar to anything else that is prescribed, journaling as an intervention has several complexities which are important to consider when using this tool.[2](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8935176/#R2) These complexities include variables such as what is written, instruction provided on how to journal, duration of a journaling session and the optimal number of journaling sessions needed to see improvement.[3](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8935176/#R3) - The two primary forms of journaling used in psychotherapy are expressive writing and gratitude journaling.[5](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8935176/#R5) Expressive writing is a journaling technique which is performed for 3–4 sessions about ‘one’s deepest thoughts and feelings’ for 20 min per session.[6](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8935176/#R6) ==A gratitude journal on the other hand is a diary of accounts for which one is grateful, and where attention is focused on the positive aspects of one’s life.[7](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8935176/#R7) Instruction on how to journal is essential in ensuring proper utility of the tool and instilling self-efficacy in the patient.[3](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8935176/#R3) The literature, however, is sparse in areas investigating these variables which moderate the effects of journaling.== - The results of this work revealed that a journaling intervention resulted in an average statistically significant 5% reduction in patient scores on mental health measures compared with control arms, with a greater benefit in anxiety (9%) and PTSD (6%) symptom subgroups, and a lesser benefit in depression subgroup (2%). - Much of the efficacy of journaling comes from the ability of one to write openly and honestly, without the fear of judgement, safe in the knowledge that the journal will not be read by others.[12](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8935176/#R12) - We also note that a detailed preparatory/educational training session is vital in allowing the patient to understand why journaling works and how to effectively journal.[3](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8935176/#R3) - This meta-analysis provides further affirmation that journaling as an intervention has merit and can be an efficacious adjunct when prescribed and implemented properly. The findings of this study can be applied in primary care practice by using journaling as a low risk, low-resource intensive adjunct to standard therapy for patients with mental health concerns. This study can also guide future research by highlighting the criteria required for robust studies. Journaling is a promising intervention for the treatment of mental health disorders but requires more robust high-quality longitudinal studies to appropriately assess its efficacy. In addition to this, participants require adequate preparation and the opportunity to practice if we are to fully investigate how journaling could benefit patients.[2](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8935176/#R2) We also recommend not sharing the participants’ personal journal with the study team. [[Article - The paper mirror understanding reflective journaling]] --- [[202308021733 - What are the different kinds of journalling]] [[202308021735 - What is Expressive Journaling]] [[202308021736 - What is Gratitude Journaling]] [[202308021738 - Journaling need training]]