Helping Our Youth Cope with Political Stress from the News
March 11, 2025
Skip to content 
For more than 30 years, researchers have explored the impact of expressive writing on well-being. In most studies, participants are asked to spend 15 to 30 minutes writing about an emotionally challenging or even traumatic event in their lives. This process is typically repeated once a day for three to five days. Although the writing sessions can be emotional and make participants feel vulnerable, the long-term outcomes are overwhelmingly positive.
These benefits were observed even months and years after the writing exercises were completed. It’s incredible that such a simple and accessible tool can significantly improve mental health. The Imagine Project integrates these principles and can be effectively implemented in classrooms, group settings, or with individuals.
In the spring of 2018, we completed Phase I of our research. We partnered with QREM, a reputable research company, to analyze data collected from 40-50 students in grades 3-12, spanning both general public school classrooms and alternative high schools. Teachers administered a 10-15 item pre- and post-questionnaire after guiding their students through The Imagine Project writing process.
The results exceeded our expectations:
Click to read the report: Imagine Project Final Report March 18 2019. These findings underscore the potential of expressive writing to create meaningful change in students’ emotional and academic lives.
In the spring of 2019 we conducted a qualitative study, again using pre and post questionnaires of elementary, middle, and high school students. We had a very positive response overall. Here is the conclusion and you can read the associated White Paper_Survey Summary for more information.
We are currently conducting Phase III of our research. We’ve hired a professional company to help with our research. We have pre and post questionnaires for grades 3-12, a teacher questionnaire, and a parent questionnaire. We ask that all are done before doing the project and within 1 week after completing the project. Thank you!
By downloading our ebook you also agree to receive occasional emails about The Imagine Project.
The Imagine Project, Inc. is a 501c3 organization, we appreciate your continued support helping ki
Join our community to get the latest tips, exclusive offers, and updates straight to your inbox. Don’t miss out—subscribe now and be the first to know!
Optimized by Seraphinite Accelerator