Comparing different ways of expressive writing for mental health
Comparing Targets of Expressive Writing
NA · Trustees of Princeton University · NCT06130020
This study is testing whether young adults feel better mentally after writing to themselves or to a loved one for 14 days, compared to just writing about their daily routine.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 159 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Trustees of Princeton University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Princeton, New Jersey) |
| Trial ID | NCT06130020 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of expressive writing interventions in young adults by comparing two approaches: writing to oneself versus writing to a loved one. Participants will engage in a 14-day writing exercise, divided into three groups: one group writes to themselves, another writes to someone they feel close to, and a control group writes factual descriptions of their daily routine. The aim is to determine which method yields better mental health outcomes, particularly for those experiencing anxiety and depression. The study will recruit participants until sufficient data is collected from each group.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are young adults in the US who are fluent in English and have mild to moderate anxiety or depression.
Not a fit: Patients who do not meet the eligibility criteria or those with severe mental health conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into more effective therapeutic writing techniques for improving mental health.
How similar studies have performed: While expressive writing has been studied before, this specific comparison of writing to oneself versus a loved one is a novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * US-based * Fluent English * Combined GAD-7 and PHQ-8 score of ≥ 5 Exclusion Criteria: * "Completion" of a writing session requires participants to spend at least 15 minutes on the writing page. We will monitor completion of the daily writing exercise, and will contact participants who miss or spend less than 15 minutes on the exercise. Participants who fail to complete 3 consecutive daily writing sessions will be deemed non-compliant, removed from the study, and paid a prorated amount for the tasks they have completed in the study.
Where this trial is running
Princeton, New Jersey
- Peretsman Scully Hall — Princeton, New Jersey, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Erik Nook, PhD — Princeton University
- Study coordinator: Claire Whiting, MRes
- Email: lemolab@princeton.edu
- Phone: (609) 258-5064
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Healthy, Anxiety, Depression, expressive writing, journaling, mental health