Effect Of Gratitude Journaling On Depression Patients

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of gratitude journaling on depressive symptoms in an individual diagnosed with moderate depression. Depression remains a widespread mental health concern, and accessible, low-cost interventions are increasingly necessary. Gratitude journaling has shown potential in previous studies to enhance emotional well-being and reduce symptoms of depression. This research used a single-case ABAB design, with one participant diagnosed with moderate depression based on DSM-V criteria. Data were collected through standardized measures, including the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Mood & Feelings Questionnaire, over a four-week period. The participant alternated between baseline periods (no journaling) and intervention periods (daily gratitude journaling with prompts). Results indicated a significant reduction in depressive symptoms during the journaling phases, with marked improvements in mood and emotional well-being as reported by the participant. The BDI scores showed a substantial decrease from baseline to post-intervention, supporting the efficacy of gratitude journaling as a therapeutic tool for managing depression. These findings contribute to existing literature on gratitude interventions and their positive impact on mental health, suggesting that gratitude journaling can be a viable supplementary treatment for depression. However, limitations such as the small sample size and short intervention duration must be addressed in future research. Further studies should focus on larger, more diverse samples, and longer intervention periods to strengthen the generalizability of these results. Future research could also explore the long-term effects of gratitude journaling on depression and its potential for integration into clinical practice.

Keywords: Gratitude Journaling, Depression, Beck Depression Inventory, Mental Health, Intervention