Family eJournal: benefits of online guided group journaling for women
| Date | 17 September 2018 |
| Pages | 135-141 |
| Published date | 17 September 2018 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JPMH-01-2018-0008 |
| Author | Edward Titus Asbury,Jennifer Casey,Krishna Desai |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Mental health,Public mental health |
Family eJournal: benefits of online guided
group journaling for women
Edward Titus Asbury, Jennifer Casey and Krishna Desai
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to examine the benefits of online guided group journaling for an
individual’smental health. The authors focusedon a specific social networkingplatform called Family eJournal.
Design/methodology/approach –In total, 51 female participants were recruited from an American
university with an average age of 20 years. Participants completed an online survey called the Relationship
and Lifestyle Questionnaire. The questionnaire utilized two subscales, the Multidimensional Scale of
Perceived Social Support (Diener et al., 1985) and the Depression and Anxiety Stress Scale (Lovibond &
Lovibond, 1995). In addition, the questionnaire also measured several items related to an individual’s health
choices such as smoking or dieting. Half of the participants in the study were randomly assigned to the Family
eJournal user group.
Findings –Following the ten-week time period, the Family eJournal group reported significantly higher social
support and lower scores of depression compared to the non-Family eJournal control group. However, there
was no difference between groups in regard to anxiety or health choices. Implications of online group
journaling and future directions are discussed.
Research limitations/implications –Current findings suggest that online journal sharing may provide a
buffer from depression. For those who experience a negative perception of social experiences, building and
maintaining interpersonal relationships becomes increasingly difficult, furthering the experiences of social
isolation.Therefore,the ability to self-disclose andshare personal experiences is crucial,albeit difficultto express
(Heinrichand Gullone, 2006;Wei et al., 2005).As depression increases, individuals mayalter the types of social,
cognitive and emotional behaviors they employ. In turn, online asynchronous communication platforms may
foster a reduction in discomfortin self-disclosure and increase positive perceptions of socialexperiences.
Practical implications –The findings suggest that the SNS platform FamilyeJournal may provide a simple
opportunity to improve family relationships. Asynchronous online communication is immune to drawbacks
and barriers associated with traditional means of communication such as busy schedules and geographic
disparity (Perron, 2002).
Social implications –Online social networking may be a beneficial way to connect with others and facilitate
positive mental health.
Originality/value –While the authors have known the benefits of journaling for some time, few studies to
date have examined the potential benefits of asynchronous communication via online journaling. Online
journaling platforms may provide an attractive avenue for enhancing the well-being for individuals who have
limited opportunities to communicate in real time.
Keywords College students, Online, Journaling, Mental health
Paper type Research paper
Socioemotional selectivity theory specifically suggests that as people age, they become more
selective with their interpersonal choices (Zhang et al., 2011). Although this may result in the
development of closer relationships, it also decreases the quantity of close relationships for
adults. Individuals begin to invest more in closer relationships but are also likely to feel a bigger
sense of loss if difficulties arise within that relationship (Zhang et al., 2011). When a relationship
dissolves, experiences of loneliness likely increase, and may last for a longer amount of time if a
new relationship does not fill its place (Zhang et al., 2011). Bowlby (1973) speaks to how
separation often promotes symptoms of depression, specifically through high levels of
loneliness. Frequent experiences of separation in a variety of facets (i.e. professional,
educational, familial and intimate relationships) attributed to the exploratory and unstable nature
of young adulthood likely contribute to heightened levels of depression and social isolation. Received 30 January 2018
Accepted 21 June 2018
Edward Titus Asbury and
Jennifer Casey are both based
at the Department of
Psychology & Philosophy,
Texas Woman’s University,
Denton, Texas, USA.
Krishna Desai is Psychologist
at the Department of
Psychology & Philosophy,
Texas Woman’s University,
Denton, Texas, USA.
DOI 10.1108/JPMH-01-2018-0008 VOL. 17 NO. 3 2018, pp. 135-141, © Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 1746-5729
j
JOURNAL OF PUBLIC MENTALHEALTH
j
PAG E 13 5
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