Abstract
Aim
This mixed method research explored the benefits of a six-week diary writing intervention,
and the coping strategies utilized in a sample of affected mothers who have teenagers
or adult children with emotional and/or behavioral issues.
Methods
Participants were assigned to write either a best possible self or a gratitude journal,
and asked to make entries at least three times per week for six weeks. A snowball
sample of 34 mothers completed the six-week journal and post-test.
Results
The findings of paired t-tests indicated statistically significant increases in optimism and gratitude levels
after completing the writing intervention. The mothers commonly used coping methods
for parental distress were emotion-and meaning-focused coping. The three themes of
journal writing experience were positive thinking, emotional well-being, and mental
health self-care.
Conclusion
The current study suggests that implementing a positive writing intervention is a
practical means of promoting psychological well-being as a self-care strategy for
this population.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 10, 2020
Accepted:
February 8,
2020
Received:
January 8,
2020
Identification
Copyright
© 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
