New research indicates that writing “thank you” notes or letters can benefit your mental health. According to psychologists, engaging in positive expressive writing consistently boosts mental well-being.
A study published in PLOS One reveals that the advantages for psychological health are related to the writing approach and individual traits.
Lauren Hoult, the study’s author, explained that initial writing interventions required people to repeatedly write about negative topics over several days.
While this method can improve mental health over time, it might also intensify negative emotions. Positive expressive writing, focusing on gratitude, self-reflection, and envisioning a positive future, enhances well-being without such risks.
While previous research suggested that positive expressive writing could improve health, this study assessed the most effective ways to apply these interventions.
Researchers reviewed 51 articles published between 1930 and 2023, concentrating on techniques like writing gratitude letters or imagining an optimistic future. The research indicated that positive expressive writing improved psychological and subjective well-being, including happiness and life satisfaction.
The effects on physical and mental health, such as depression, varied depending on the individual and the writing intervention. Researchers noted that differences in study designs made comparing interventions difficult.
Hoult, a senior research assistant at Northumbria University, stated that positive expressive writing techniques consistently improve well-being, especially exercises focused on gratitude.
She also noted that individual differences might influence the effectiveness of these methods. The researchers recommend that future studies assess both health and well-being outcomes, account for individual differences, and use more consistent methods.
