ABSTRACT
The state of loneliness in modern society has been referred to by researchers as an epidemic, the rate of which has been exacerbated by COVID-19. Loneliness can have significantly negative impacts on human wellbeing. In this paper, we propose gratitude interventions as a potential solution to improve prosocial behaviour, social connectedness and to function as a mediator of the negative affect associated with loneliness. We present a multi-modal gratitude intervention journaling app that leverages research in social isolation and gratitude intervention and aims to alleviate some of the consequences of loneliness. © 2022 Owner/Author.
ABSTRACT
Gratitude journaling has been used to improve grateful disposition. However, there is only limited data available on its application experience. This study aimed to: (1) explore the experiences of nursing students who have participated in gratitude journaling; and (2) assess students' views of gratitude journaling as a nursing intervention. This study implemented an eight-week program of gratitude journaling with fourth-year nursing students who took a mental health psychiatric nursing course at a South Korean university. Following the eight weeks, students reflected on their gratitude journaling experience in a reflective essay. Using content analysis, 53 essays were analyzed. Five categories were identified from the reflective essay, as follows: "A new beginning", "The engine that motivates continued participation: gratitude sharing", "The process driving change", "Changes brought about by gratitude", and "Self-reflection". Based on this experience, nursing students believed that it is important to promote steady participation when administering gratitude journaling as a nursing intervention. The study findings suggest that the gratitude journaling not only helped with nursing students' perspective, emotional, and behavioral aspects and stress management, but also provided an opportunity to advance a step further based on self-reflection.