Addressing Self-Reported Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in College Students via Web-Based Self-Compassionate Journaling

Abstract

Depression, anxiety, and stress in the college undergraduate population have been steadily rising over the past decade. Trait self-compassion has been shown to be significantly and negatively related to perceptions of stress and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Research has indicated that self-compassion inductions are effective in increasing state self-compassion. In general, selfcompassion inductions are designed to be easily self-administered. Current research on Internetbased interventions indicates that self-administered therapeutic techniques are effective in reducing self-reported depression, anxiety, and stress. The goal of the current study was to compare the effects of self-compassionate journaling, narrative journaling, and a true control group on depression, anxiety, stress, and self-compassion. There was not a significant time x induction interaction, nor did time or condition have a significant effect on outcomes

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