Effects of expressive writing on repetitive negative thinking as well as anxiety and depression in new recruits
10.16016/j.2097-0927.202312118
- VernacularTitle:表达性写作对新兵重复性消极思维及焦虑抑郁情绪的影响
- Author:
Gongjin CHEN
1
;
Li PENG
;
Zihao JIN
;
Aijun ZHAO
;
Xuanyun YAN
;
Bo LIU
;
Min LI
Author Information
1. 400038 重庆,陆军军医大学(第三军医大学)医学心理系军事心理学教研室
- Keywords:
expressive writing;
repetitive negative thinking;
depression;
anxiety;
new recruits
- From:
Journal of Army Medical University
2024;46(15):1817-1824
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To explore the effects of expressive writing on repetitive negative thinking(RNT)and anxiety and depression in new recruits,and to compare the effectiveness of different writing intervals on the training effects.Methods A total of 262 new recruits of a troop were sampled using cluster sampling and then divided into 3 groups based on their own organizational company.There were 2 groups receiving RNT-focused expressive writing,including 6-week group(n=90),once a week for 6 consecutive weeks,and 6-day group(n=83)once a day for 6 consecutive days,as well as a control group without any intervention(control group,n=89).Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire(PTQ),Self-Rating Depression Scale(SDS),and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale(SAS)were used to survey all participants at following 3 time points:before intervention(T0),at the end of intervention(T1)and 1 month after intervention(T2).Results There were no significant differences in demographic information and psychological indicators among the 3 groups before the intervention.After intervention,the scores of RNT,depression,and anxiety were significantly lower in the 6-week group at T1 and T2 than the baseline levels(T0)(P＜0.01).The 6-day group showed a tendency of increasing and then decreasing in the 3 scores,the scores of RNT and depression were significantly higher at T1 than T0(P＜0.01),then all 3 scores fell back at T2,and the scores of depression and anxiety at T2 were significantly lower than at T0(P＜0.01).No significant changes were observed in these psychological indicators in the control group before and after training.Conclusion RNT-focused expressive writing for 6 weeks can reduce RNT and relieve emotions such as depression and anxiety in new recruits,but similar effects are not observed in the 6-day consecutive writing program.So,we recommend a 6-week writing intervention to promote mental health in new recruits.
