Effect of Journaling on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Study on the Effectiveness of Journaling As an Add-on to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: a Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · University Hospital Tuebingen · NCT06863909

This study tests if adding journaling to cognitive behavioral therapy can help people with mood disorders feel better.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital Tuebingen (other)
Locations1 site (Tübingen)
Trial IDNCT06863909 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines how journaling as an additional task can enhance the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for patients with various affective disorders. A total of 80 patients undergoing CBT will be randomly assigned to either standard CBT or CBT with journaling. The study will assess symptom severity at each session and gather basic documentation at the beginning and end of the study. The aim is to evaluate whether goal-oriented journal writing can improve therapeutic outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients currently undergoing ambulant cognitive behavioral therapy.

Not a fit: Patients not engaged in cognitive behavioral therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance the effectiveness of CBT, leading to better patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of journaling in therapy is common, this specific approach of evaluating its effectiveness alongside CBT is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* patients in ambulant cognitive behavioral therapy

Exclusion Criteria:

* none

Where this trial is running

Tübingen

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Affective Disorders, Rumination, Childhood Trauma, Eating Disorder, Substance Use Disorder, Personality Disorder, Mental Disorder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.