General Expressive Writing Research
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. Research has shown that expressive writing can:
- Improve grade point averages,
- Enhance working memory,
- Boost writing skills,
- Reduce school dropout rates,
- Strengthen immune function (leading to fewer illnesses and doctor visits),
- Lower blood pressure,
- Promote faster healing after surgery,
- Reduce anxiety and depression,
- Help individuals feel more positive about life, and
- Lessen symptoms of post-traumatic stress, such as intrusive thoughts and avoidance behaviors.
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.
Our Research:
Phase I:
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:
- An 11.5% increase in students’ ability to manage stress,
- A 6.3% increase in the value students placed on support from others,
- An 11.6% increase in positive attitudes toward school, particularly in academic risk-taking.
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.
Phase II: 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.
Phase III: 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!
Click here for the Elementary questionnaire (6th graders can do either).
Click here for the Teen questionnaire.
Click here for the Teacher questionnaire.
Click here for the Parent questionnaire.
Click here ImagineProject-QuestionnaireResults-Phase1 to learn more about our early results.
Click here to learn more about youth mental health statistics and why The Imagine Project is so needed in our world.
